Future Cities ME — Summer 2015 Issue 3 by Future Cities ME

SUMMER ISSUE 3

published by flip flop media

CONTENTS The Sections

government

smart technologies

smart cities

Abu Dhabi municipality retrofits traditional lighting system with LED lights; plans to recycle milled asphalt from road construction P.28

Towards a Smart, Future-ready Dubai P.06

Dubai’s Museum of the Future to be set up from world’s first 3D printed office P.50

constructions

transport

City Centre Mirdif attains LEED Gold certification for EBOM P.30

Volvo Buses launches public transport of the future P.56

sustainable

health & communities

EGBC launches first ‘Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings’ in the UAE P.38

AUD School of Engineering fostering next generation of innovators in construction P.60

energy efficiency

food & agriculture

Solar energy projects on track to realizing UAE Vision 2021 P.46

Smart mobile apps lead to more responsible food consumption P.66

ROUNDTABLE Effective BIM and early involvement hold the key to successful sustainable projects P.20

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Smart Cities A Smart, Future-ready Dubai. That is the vision of its leaders. And it’s a vision with a timetable! DMCC Smart, meaningful member services make DMCC A Prime Business Destination dubai municipality ‘Smart Palms’ begin to dot UAE beachsides dha DHA services now smart and accessible at your fingertips dewa DEWA launches several Smart City initiatives in a big way dubai police Gets tech savvy with social media and gamification technologies

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publisher’s note

ubai is getting future ready. And its happening in plain sight. The Dubai government is pushing full steam ahead to realize the future vision of its citizens and leaders. Every month sees a new crop of government and private sector smart applications making an appearance with messages on your phone asking you to download a customized GPS system or a single smart online payment gateway for all your utilities. This is making life in the region easier for residents reducing time spent in mundane tasks like paying your DEWA bills, submitting forms for starting a new business or going to the immigration office to renew your visa. Now all this can be done from the convenience of your laptop or smart phone. Even this editor’s note is being written and sent across for publishing on a smart phone. Welcome to 21st century Dubai! The construction sector in the UAE is also making great strides towards a sustainable future for the country with Building Information Modeling or BIM becoming mandatory for large projects. Future Cities recently organized a Roundtable Conference with some of the biggest developers, consultants architects, contractors and project suppliers in the industry today. They discussed on the best ways and means of creating successful and sustainable building projects in the Middle East region. From the interesting and sometimes lively discussions the major themes to emerge were effective use of BIM and early involvement of all parties in the construction projects supply chain. In keeping with the Smart Cities focus our other sections too talk about how technology is being employed today in various fields from power and water generation and supply to education and transport. Everywhere we see smarter technology playing a key role. 3D printing technology looks like it is going to revolutionize all kinds of industries from construction to manufacturing to food packaging. I would be on the lookout for future opportunities in this game changer. We hope you enjoy reading this special Summer Edition of Future Cities ME and look forward to keeping you updated on the latest developments happening with the cities of our common future. See you once again in September. Till then stay smart, stay focussed. Because thats what the future in the region looks like it is shaping up to be!

FUTURE CITIES ME . VOLUME 1 NUMBER 3 THE GAME CHANGER ISSUE / SUMMER 2015

Publisher & CEO Liam Williams liam@flipflopmedia.ae Managing Director Harry Norman harry@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9062 Editorial sunil Thakur sunil@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 Katy Elliot info@flipflopmedia.ae Commercial Director Sam Khan skhan@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9062 Design Head of Design Marlou Delaben design@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 circulation & Production Circulation and Distribution Manager Antonio de Marco circulationdm@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 Database and Circulation Manager Aaliya Khan databaseandcm@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 Production Manager Juan Vasquez productionmanager@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 Digital webmaster@flipflopmedia.ae Published by

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© Copyright 2015 FlipFlop Media All rights reserved While the publisher has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

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2015 Summer Edition

smart cities

A Smart, Future-ready Dubai. That is the vision of its leaders. And it’s a vision with a timetable! In the last few years Dubai has invested heavily in stateof-the-art mobile app technologies for its road and transport authority, telecommunications, civil defense and the department of economic development. The aim is to bring about a paradigm shift in operations and make services faster, more accessible and responsive

n 2014 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, formally launched the Smart Dubai strategy in order to transform Dubai into the smartest metropolis in the world by 2017. Earlier, in May 2013, Sheikh Mohammed provided a major push to the initiative by tweeting that government officials had a deadline of two years to achieve milestones that demonstrated tangible progress in providing smart services to the public while promising those who did not achieve targets a “goodbye party”. A recent retweet few days back referring to the original one from two years ago appears to be making good on the promise: “A tweet I posted two years ago... I just wanted to remind our fellow officials of it. We are scheduled to review the results of their work in one month.” Half way through 2015 and we are seeing a number of innovative campaigns being launched towards making Dubai city and its

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government the smartest and most accessible in the world. In fact, 2015 is the year of innovation in the UAE. National Innovation Week has just been announced and is scheduled to take place from November 22 to 28 this year and will comprise workshops, seminars and practical insights into achieving a more innovative and technologically aware industry and society. At Future Cities ME we believe we are an integral part of the overall effort to create smart, sustainable and successful cities in the Middle East region. By promoting public private partnerships, highlighting new technologies and promoting a better understanding of urban management concepts, we hope to create a better tomorrow for all. 2015 began with the full-fledged launch of the myID service which allows users access to all electronic and smart services provided by government authorities through a single user ID. Government jobs are now published online and can be applied for by using the new eJobs portal. Secure ePay and mPay gateways allow residents to make payments through their computers and mobile phones. And it isn’t all about technology. In a unique project the Dubai Government has installed Happiness Meters to measure its own performance. People of Dubai can now rate their level of happiness with services provided by at least 14 government entities. The Dubai Government is the first in the world to proactively gather feedback from people using their services through kiosks and online websites. Even in other public places more hi-tech kiosks are planned to test the mood of the public by offering passers-by three choices: A smiling face, a straight face and a sad face. With one touch, users will convey their level of happiness to the government. The Dubai Water and Electricity Board has commenced SAP governance and gone fully mobile in all its services in terms of payments, metering, and customer service. All of Dubai Health Authority’s online services are now available on smart phones too. Future Cities believes that Dubai government’s Smart City vision is well on its way to being realized. From smart buildings and infrastructure facilities already deploying the Internet of Things and providing real time data to central monitoring and control systems, to smart hybrid energy transport systems; from state-of-the-art communications to the latest utility services, all these facilities are in sight and within reach of every UAE resident today. “In 50 years, when we might have the last barrel of oil, the question is: when it is shipped abroad, will we be sad?” asked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during his keynote address at the recently held Internet of Things summit. His response was that if the UAE continues to make smart investments in strategic sectors, that moment will be one of celebration rather than sadness.l

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Those who want to be part of smart future should adapt to its needs. We in the UAE prepared for the adaptation process early. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

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smart cities dmcc

Smart, Meaningful member Services make DMCC A Prime Business Destination By Sunil Thakur

Registering close to 200 new companies every month, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is one of the region’s largest and fastest growing free zones. Home to over 10,700 businesses ranging from startups to large corporates, the Free Zone is creating a longterm sustainable business hub in Dubai

ver the last two years the DMCC has undergone a complete digital transformation that has streamlined the way in which the Free Zone interacts with its member companies at every level. The plan has put the DMCC at the forefront of the Dubai government’s Smart City initiative and has created an indispensable ecosystem for setting up businesses in Dubai. “We are part of the government of Dubai and our remit is to bring businesses into Dubai and help them be successful — whether it is in trading, services or the industrial sector. The way we do that is by creating this eco-system that helps companies get a soft landing into Dubai and create connections and networks as quickly as possible for them,” said Krysta Fox, Director of the Free Zone. DMCC is looking at the long-term and seeking to be as relevant today in its support of its member companies as it will be in 20 years’ time. “The way we look at it is three-dimensional. We offer a platform to our member companies. There are standards by which we operate and expect our member companies to operate by. We actively connect and help companies to network within this business environment,” says Fox. Innovation is at the core of the DMCC’s phenomenal growth. “We innovate in order to meet the requirements of our customers,” Fox asserts. “It includes customers that we have today and the customers that we are going to have in future. We have to be efficient enough to be able to handle the massive growth that we have experienced. Three years

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ago we had about 3,000 member companies. Today we have more than 10,700 firms. In order to triple in size in just three years, you have to make sure that you keep ahead of the rest of the market.” At the DMCC, technology goes hand–in-hand with growth. The Free Zone has lapped up Dubai government’s smart city initiative wholesale. Right from the inquiry process to doing business, everything is online at the DMCC. For Fox and her team, it means being on top of the game to be able to deliver an efficient service. As we talk, Fox logs in to the DMCC app and shows me how she is able to access the entire front and back-end of the Free Zone on her smartphone. “I can tell you how many firms have been registered today, what is the exact status of each firm, how many licences, how many visas, how many letters did I issue, how many leases, etc. I can make an entry and find out if a particular query has been addressed, and who in my team is attending to it. It is all live and instant.” Attempting to take the best of everything offered in the most successful business hubs around the world, DMCC brings it to the table all in one place for member companies. “It is way beyond registering and licensing companies. It is about giving them value-added services that are available right at the point of registration, so that they can go on running the company successfully and don’t have to worry about things that divert them from that.” A strong votary for an open dialogue with member companies at the DMCC, Fox said that she interacts with the members through a number of channels. “I run two large open town hall style sessions with our members each year where we update them on what we are planning to do. We share our customer satisfaction survey that

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smart cities dmcc

“Everything we do at DMCC is for the success of our member companies. We make it happen every single day of the year at the DMCC. That is what the transformation is all about.” we conduct once a year with a statistically significant sample. Businesses are then detailed about improvements that we wish to implement.” “Everything we do at DMCC is for the success of our member companies. We make it happen every single day of the year at the DMCC. That is what the transformation is all about,” Fox said. The DMCC is leaving no stone unturned to ensure faster processing of requests by its member companies. The Free Zone is not just licensing companies and providing visas but connecting its member companies with business apps and electronic signatures in a way that’s never been done before. Working in collaboration with Salesforce, one of the best cloud computing companies in the world, DMCC has enhanced its percentage of services. “Salesforce gave us a platform that allowed us to control everything from sales to operations, website to knowledge hub. Our client interaction has become faster, more consistent and purposeful,” said Fox. Thanks to Salesforce, DMCC now has a 360-degree view of the Free Zone. This includes every single member company, every single employee, and every service that the firms avail from the DMCC. “We chose a platform that was incredibly scalable, flexible on the cloud and very innovative. This has brought a whole new way of doing business. It is simple, efficient and effective,” she added. Currently all the services offered by DMCC are online. “When our members want us to improve upon a specific area like queries we act quickly. For instance, the first thing we introduced this year was a case management system. There are three ways to raise a query

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with us now: Members can get in touch with the call-centre where we run extended hours. Queries can be raised through live chat or they can simply write to us and receive a prompt response. “One thing we shouldn’t forget while going digital, is that we should not lose the personal relationship with our members. Response time is also very important. So the moment a query is raised, the clock starts ticking. We have advanced from answering 30 per cent of the cases within two days to now replying to more than 90 per cent of the queries in the same time frame. But in our case, just doing something quickly isn’t enough. We also ask our members how happy they were with the outcome,” says Fox. With the Salesforce customer service application Service Cloud, DMCC is also able to provide a comprehensive history of all client interactions in one place. Most of its services are now directly available through its member portal, which is powered by the Salesforce Cloud. Clients can find answers to most of their queries with the click of a button. “When you try and set up a company you want someone who can guide you well. You want a free zone where you can access the information and you want it to be done simply because you are eager to get on with it. Our transformation is important because we have been able to halve the amount of time it takes to set up a new company. For us, both the quality of our service and the valuable time of our members, are what matters,” Fox concludes.l

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smart cities DUBAI MUNICIPALITY

‘Smart Palms’ begin to dot UAE beachsides Internet connectivity anytime, anywhere is crucial to Dubai’s smart blueprint for the future. Already the UAE has the second highest internet penetration in the world. The goal is that, by 2017, the entire city’s services and facilities will be available on smartphones.

H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum vowed to make Dubai’s citizens “happy” some time ago and, when you’re thinking about improving people’s everyday experience, it’s often small things like this that count, especially for low-income workers who can’t afford the relatively high cost of mobile data plans here. Now palm tree-shaped stations are being installed at the city’s beaches and parks. The stations, dubbed “Smart Palms” made in the United Arab Emirates, stand six metres tall, and emit Wi-Fi signals covering a radius of 53 metres. Smart Palms also offer mobile charging facilities with a capacity to serve multiple users at a time. Information on weather, Dubai’s other attractions, as well as sea conditions and beach rules will also be displayed on these stations that run solely on solar energy. At night, the Smart Palms will light up using their stored up solar energy. The six-metre high solar-powered structure has solar panels fixed on top of its fronds-shaped roof. It also has an attached platform equipped with 12 charging points, designed to support both mobile phones and tablets. Loudspeakers will also be used to make public announcements including weather warnings. The Smart Palm is a self-sustaining community tech hub, the structure of which is in the shape of a date palm tree. Hussain Lootah, the director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “Under the guidance of our leaders, Dubai has developed an international reputation as a place for technology and innovation. Through Smart Palm, the public will be able to benefit

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MAKANI: For Smarter City Travelling

At night, the Smart Palms will light up using their stored up solar energy. The six-metre high solar-powered structure has solar panels fixed on top of its fronds-shaped roof. The Smart Palm is a self sustaining community tech hub. from free direct access to the Internet while providing valuable public information covering a range of topics including weather forecasts and orientation guides. Most importantly, these structures are entirely self-sufficient thanks to their mono crystal solar panels, which provide up to 21 per cent efficiency.” The Smart Palm patented idea that took an estimated 10 months to be executed is the latest offering of the UAE that has made 2015 the “Year of Innovation”. So far, Smart Palms have been installed in Zabeel Park and the beach next to Dubai’s seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab. All public beaches in the emirate will be made smart with the installation of Smart Palms in as many as 50 locations, DirectorGeneral of the Dubai Municipality, Hussain Nasser Lootah has said. The move is part of making Dubai the most smart and sustainable city. The locations include Al Mamzar Beach, Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, 2, 3 beaches, Umm Suqueim 1 and 2 beaches, Dubai Marina and JBR beach.l

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The Makani system launched this year enables users to locate different destinations in Dubai with an accuracy of one metre. When it is fully implemented and adopted every building in Dubai will have a unique 10-digit identification number. The smart system, accessible on smart mobile phones and GPS devices, acquires real-time coordinates from satellites to provide detailed information about location and access points to different buildings and facilities by entering a unique number for each building entry. The GPS can help drivers find their way around new residential villa areas, which often feature near-identical houses and have communities listed only by number. With Makani buildings get a unique Makani number. Simply type that into the Makani software and your smart phone will guide you to the exact building using fast and high resolution graphics. This way you don’t have to ask strangers or be on the look out for street numbers and signs. In a recent guide on Makani sent by the municipality, Makani is shown to cut arrival times of ambulances, taxis and delivery vehicles by 20 to 50 per cent. When calling for taxis or delivery companies and restaurants, instead of verbally describing the location or giving directions, users of the Makani smart app can simply share the location’s 10-digit Makani coordinate number, which will show the destination on the map. Another major advantage is reduction in toxic emissions. The team behind a new smart address system says it can cut car emissions by up to 30 per cent – as motorists spend less time driving around the streets looking for their destination. A campaign is running with adverts posted on the Dubai Metro and other public places to encourage the general public to adopt and start using this innovative smart application. Makani also solves the issue of language barriers and assists tourists and visitors who may not be familiar with Dubai or the area where the building is located. The Makani number alone is enough to locate the building. Currently the Dubai Municipality is expanding the number of buildings listed, with up to 128,000 buildings to receive the unique number by the end of the year. Taxi and takeaway firms are also being encouraged to use Makani.

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smart cities dha

DHA services now smart and accessible at your fingertips in recent years the dubai health authority (DHA) has taken giant strides in making all of its services readily available to residents on their smart phones and tablets.

ransformation of e-services to smart services will benefit all major stakeholders of DHA such as healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, suppliers, medical students and patients. All e-services are compatible on all smart devices including smartphones and tablets on various platforms ensuring continuous service availability and improved e-services accessibility through smart devices. The Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority said that the move is in line with the Smart Government initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the Dubai Health Strategy 2013-2025. The Director-General added: “Our aim is to ensure a paperless environment and smart transformation for the health sector in Dubai ensuring both services and systems are electronic and smart so that our customers can access these services on their fingertips at their convenience and the health sector can benefit from these services which will help further enhance efficiencies and patient outcomes.” Amani Al Jassmi, Director of Information Technology at the DHA, said: “All 103 e-services have been transformed to smart services and this is in line with our strategy and Smart Government initiative. Smart services are highly convenient and will benefit all the stakeholders as these services are varied in nature.”

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Al Jassmi said of the 103 smart services, 30 are health related, 20 are healthcare facility services, 14 are healthcare professional services, 17 are general services, 6 are educational services and 16 fall under the others category. Smart services such as Sheryan offer various features like issuance and renewal of healthcare professional and facility licenses, etc. Since the transformation to Sheryan services in May 2014, the total number of transactions submitted are 579,474 which is an increase of 53 per cent year on year. Similarly, since the medical fitness services became smart in June 2014, the Authority received 1,766,634 transactions, which is an increase of 27 per cent year on year. Other smart services include patient related services such as - cancelling or rescheduling an appointment, renewal of health card, request to issue a duplicate health card, view lab result, view medication, apply for medical report, apply for medical file transfer, view and print duplicate sick leave, etc. Furthermore, educational smart services include the smart library app, medical research and the Dubai Residency Training program. The Authority is working on ensuring a completely paperless environment and smart transformations in the health sector.

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on your mobile SEHHATY

Sehhaty, a Bilingual DHA patient centric mobile app which aims to provide health services for patients and their families through their smart devices. It is available on major platforms such as (IOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry). The app is compatible in all types of smart devices such as IPAD, Tablets, IPhone and Galaxy etc.

DUBAI DOCTORS

The Dubai Health Authority has also launched an application that is smart-device friendly to assist the DHA Health Regulation Team to manage, organize and conduct facility and professional inspections. The new solution transforms the current e-Inspection to Smart Inspection by providing smart features like digital signatures, evidence capture by image or video, offline inspection data entering, synchronizing data and uses techniques like QR Code Scanning and NFC (Near Field Communication) which helps completely digitize the manner in which inspections are conducted. Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, Director of Health Regulation and Dubai Medical Tourism project, said: “In line with the Smart Government initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are keen to move towards total IT solutions to ensure the functioning of the health sector using smart

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The New “Dubai Doctors” is an app exclusively designed and developed for tourist and residents of Dubai. It provides features to search for Healthcare Professionals and Facilities in Dubai. The app is available in English and Arabic languages.

technology. The smart inspection system is completely paperless, efficient and highly convenient.” Al Marzouqi informs us that inspectors conduct inspections through their android devices and since the system is synchronized, more than one inspector can conduct inspections in different areas of the health facility and the report will be presented in totality. Moreover, facility representatives are provided with the inspection report, which ensures complete transparency. Al Marzouqi said that all notifications are now online including violations and fines which are issued on the spot using e-signatures and the facility or healthcare provider gets an immediate notification via e-mail. Amani Al Jassmi added: “The in-house designed and developed app has several useful features which ensures both a paperless environment and complete transparency. The app is designed in such a way that it works in an offline mode as well which ensures that it can be used in any place where wireless coverage is not available.” Al Jassmi said that the smart inspection system is connected to DHA’s Sheryan system, the online health licensing system that allows healthcare professionals and facilities to apply for a license or renew their license to practice medicine in Dubai. Therefore all the data about health professionals and health facilities is synchronized and available online.l

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smart cities dewa

DEWA launches several Smart City initiatives in a big way from mobile payment gateways, online customer service portals, state-of-the-art SAP governance to using hi-tech drones to help with installations and day-to-day maintenance activities, dewa has come a long way in the last few years towards providing better services to its customers and partners.

he Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched a number of initiatives under its MD and CEO, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, to achieve the goals of the government’s UAE Vision 2021. HE Al Tayer has said that DEWA is also working in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to host the best World Expo that the world has ever seen in Dubai. DEWA will contribute to achieving the promise of His Highness by building world-class energy infrastructure that meets Dubai’s development demands. The Green Bill smart application that generates electronic invoices for DEWA customers was first launched in July 2012 to support its efforts to protect the environment and enhance sustainability. As of 31 July 2015, a total of 602,758 customers, or around 83% of DEWA’s total customers, registered for the Green Bill. This transformation has reduced carbon emmissions by the thousands of tonnes by saving customers the time and energy required to drive to and fro from its offices to pay using the old paper bills.

“Every Drop Matters” is a campaign just launched to create awareness about water conservation. The campaign is part of the awareness initiatives and programmes that DEWA launches periodically to encourage all society to use natural resources responsibly. DEWA has managed to achieve impressive results in reducing water use over the past six years through our various campaigns, with a total saving of over 5.4 billion gallons of water in the period. The ‘Smart Applications via Smart Grids & Metres’ initiative will enable DEWA to build an integrated smart grid for Dubai Expo 2020. Covering generation, transmission and distribution systems while ‘Shams Dubai’ will connect solar energy to exhibition venues. To support the use of of electric and hybrid vehicles in the city DEWA’s ‘Green Charger’ initiative will provide three types of electric vehicle charging stations: Fast charging stations (20 – 40 minutes), medium charging (2 – 4 hours) and home charging (6 – 8 hours). ‘Green Charger’, will provide the infrastructure required to introduce electric vehicles in the emirate by establishing 100 charging stations in 2015. DEWA is collaborating with a number of national and private organizations to implement this leading project. Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s preeminent international position as an exemplary utility company underlining its ability to provide excellent services to host Dubai Expo 2020. DEWA is establishing the required infrastructure to provide electricity

“DEWA is the first organisation in the Middle East to apply the SAP system for risk management. We have achieved a 100% smart transformation within a year of the Smart Dubai initiative being launched. Our aim is to support the leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into th e smartest city in the world, and achieve the happiness of society by providing smart and real-time services anywhere, on a 24-7 basis”.

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and water to more than 25 million expected visitors as well as the needs of the mega infrastructure projects being executed in preparation for hosting the major international event. Earlier in the month, DEWA commenced operation of the SAP Governance, Risk, and Compliance (SAP GRC 10.1-HANA) system to support the Smart Dubai initiative. On the occasion HE Al Tayer stated: “DEWA is the first organisation in the Middle East to apply the SAP system for risk management. We have achieved a 100% smart transformation within a year of the Smart Dubai initiative being launched. The new SAP system enables further integration, providing specification flexibility, and integrated reporting and monitoring of the operational business risks. It also provides the best information system that supports decision-making through hazard identification, analysis, evaluation and processing. Corporate governance is part of SAP global resource planning, which measures, integrates and automates all processes within DEWA, to help provide better services to its customers, employees and partners.” In other developments, continuing with the UAE government’s pioneering drone services project, HE Al Tayer has launched the Sirb (Arabic for fleet) initiative at the DEWA 2021 strategy workshop. The initiative uses drone technology to support Dubai’s infrastructure, and aids smart technologies in serving Dubai’s residents. “This initiative will greatly improve our operational efficiency by accelerating operations, increasing safety during regular network testing and maintenance, and accurately detecting failures. It will also help in monitoring generation, in field surveys for new projects, and in new connections for buildings and facilities in Dubai. This will enhance the trust of our customers in DEWA’s services and improve organizational competitiveness in terms of financial savings. The drones provide early detection by using thermal imaging for overhead power lines. This limits risks and reduces costs, enables a quick response and is very accurate, making it easier to make informed decisions. The drones use state-of-theart upgradable technologies such as high-definition cameras that are equipped with night-vision and

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laser technologies, GPS sensors, and can measure pressure, height, magnetic fields, and use ultrasound scanning,” said Al Tayer. Drones can monitor contractors and employees while extending power cables, and detect and search for covered or invisible sub-stations. They can also monitor distribution station buildings, power station chimneys, locate malfunctions or give directions to protective or security agency personnel. Other uses include disseminating information about out-of-service sites for maintenance or to force power cuts, monitor smart devices in some stations for fire detection and control car parking for customers and staff. “DEWA has achieved highly competitive results that surpass those of leading European and American utility companies in terms of efficiency and reliability. This is demonstrated by our reduction of losses in the electricity transmission and distribution networks to just 3.26%, compared to 6-7% in Europe and the US. Network line losses in the water sector decreased to 9.1% compared to 15% in North America, setting another international benchmark, and highlighting our commitment to meet the growth in demand for water and promoting sustainability,” said Al Tayer. “DEWA’s achievements contributed to the UAE ranking fourth worldwide and first in the Middle East and North Africa in 2014 and 2015 in ease of access to electricity according to the Doing Business Report issued by the World Bank. DEWA will persist in its quest for success through the comprehensive development of its operations to achieve excellence by adopting global best practices. DEWA is a leading, world-class utility service provider that has several drivers to make it an active contributor to organizing the best edition of the World Expo in Dubai,” concluded Al Tayer.l

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smart cities dubai police

DUBAI POLICE GETS TECH SAVVY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA AND GAMIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES GCC Social Media Summit 2015 to discuss the use gamification and its applications to expand governmentcommunity engagement

t this year’s GCC Government Social Media Summit to be held in Dubai on 16 and 17 September 2015, the Dubai Police and the City of Las Vegas are among the speakers who will provide insight on social media and gamification. Gamification is the use of game design elements in a non-game context. This is achieved by utilising game-based mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems. Colonel Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi, General Director of the Smart Services Department at Dubai Police will be speaking on the GCC Government Social Media Brainstorm Session. The session will also include various case studies from across the GCC Governments. The current Dubai Police mobile app is a leading example of technology on the move: With a few taps on a smartphone screen you can report accidents, pay fines, report crimes, apply for official documents and take directions to your closest police station. It even has an “SOS” button to press if you’re lost in the wilderness and need rescuing. The past few years have also seen Dubai Police leading the implementation of cutting-edge video game technologies to develop electronic awareness games in an Emirati style for communicating awareness messages, strengthening national identity and instilling loyalty within the UAE. “Electronic games are considered one of the best ways and means to contribute in spreading awareness because of the widespread

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use of them on smart devices,” said Colonel Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi. “The profound impact of this kind of innovation is apparent by the number of game users, which, as it stands is more than 11 million. “At Dubai police we realised the importance of finding an innovative method to enhance and support the traditional methods we employ to communicate with the community,” he added “Therefore we use Gamification in different areas such as virtual training and electronic awareness campaigns to motivate people to carry out diverse activities that generally would not be too attractive.” Apart from gamification, Dubai Police are very active across all social media platforms. Social media allows for direct communications with the community in a way that bypasses the filtration and constraints imposed by traditional media. Colonel Alrazooqi explained: “Social media helps the local community to communicate directly with the police. It provides a medium for people to ask questions and provide comments and as a result we are able to learn about issues with our products and services quicker than ever before.” “Ultimately, by using social media we are able to engage citizens and enhance public services in the short and long-term. The GCC Social Media Summit is an excellent platform to be able to share knowledge and gain insight on how governments can use social

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“Therefore we use Gamification into different areas such as virtual training and electronic awareness campaigns to motivate people to carry out diverse activities that generally could not be too attractive.”

The Social Media Summit is one of the most important educational and business-driven platforms for the government sector, and will offer insight into the effective use of social media to meet and excel at a variety of communications objectives. Professionals from across a range of sectors such as healthcare, defence, tourism, government, social business, education and foreign affairs will be in attendance. l

media more effectively for innovative communication.” “Overall the topic of gamification is certainly an emerging one and will be the next big thing for governments in the GCC,” said Anna Atabekian, project manager of the GCC Government Social Media Summit. “As the appetite for Social Media among GCC governments grows, the summit will continue to deliver the most cutting edge programmes, topics, educational workshops and global case studies.”

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2015 Summer Edition

roundtable

Discussion Series - Sustainable Development

effective BIM and Early involvement of the entire supply chain hold the key to successful sustainable projects As part of our initiative to foster sustainable cities in the region, Future Cities ME brought together a group of high-level decision makers from the Middle East construction and supply chain industries to exchange views, share opinions in an open and constructive atmosphere. The first ‘Future Cities Roundtable meeting’ on Sustainable Development and Construction in the Middle East was held on May 28, 2015 at the Bonnington Hotel in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai

he discussions were kicked off by Scott Henshaw of the DMCC who explained the benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and early integration of the design teams and the entire supply chain at the project planning phase itself. With the recent success of One JLT where, by deploying early engagement practices, they have achieved remarkable water and energy savings of 40 and 24 per cent respectively on the project. Stephen Smith of Brookfield Multiplex, the contractor for One JLT, elaborated further by pointing out the benefits of the Design and Build contract model under which One JLT was built. This allowed the developer, the contractor and sub-contractors, to all sit together and work

2015 Summer Edition

towards planning and optimizing the building making sure that ultimately the developer gets an asset that is a high quality office space. One of the topics that were subsequently discussed was wether developers should use the Emirates Green Building Code as only a baseline? Or as the ultimate goal? Pablo Izquiredo whose firm WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has advised the Dubai Municipality for drafting and setting up its Green Building Code made clear that the code was just a core requirement but had enough scope and room for extra credits for better quality and more sustainable green projects. Stephan Frantzen of P&T Group seconded the view by saying that simply meeting the mandatory requirements was not enough and architects and contractors had to go further and get as many extra credits from the code as possible while still staying within budget. Another important issue according to Brian Johnson of GAJ Architects, is the fostering of trust between clients and service providers, particularly with regard to green buildings. Sometimes the contractor may suggest a product at a marginally higher cost and the cost was far outweighed by the environmental benefits of the product. In such cases clients have to trust the contractor and developer and not reject such suggestions outright. The value of a building as a sustainable structure can only be realized over the long term and how a building’s

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facilities are managed is critical to realizing that value. The technology and systems that go into environmentally sustainable buildings are quite different from traditional construction. All our expert panelists came to agree that the future of facilities management is conditionbased maintenance. Using the latest technologies, buildings can be monitored using strategically placed sensors that provided data to computers which are constantly monitored. Any change in building conditions can be responded to much faster in this way. Pablo Izquiredo speaking from his long experience with WSP however pointed that to be effective, condition-based maintenance required facility managers to be brought in earlier in the project to better understand the systems put in place by the developer and contractor. And once a project was complete the contractors needed to stay involved to some extent to help with maintenance activities as and when required. As another architect around the table Stephan Frantzen explained how his firm planned for facility managers explaining that every project had three stages: The BIM modeling phase. The life cycle analyses phase. And finally the phase when manuals were produced for the end users and maintenance personnel. He is of the view that implementing BIM is actually 10% technology and 90% sociology. How you use the BIM system and other tools to convey the technology to the end user and how they actually end up using it, is what actually determines the success of failure of a project. As project suppliers and the only manufacturing company around the table, Nicolas Nuesuess and Viren Sharma of Knauf ME had slightly different take on the sustainability codes and their company’s products. The things they said were of prime importance to their company were: Awareness, transparency and fair competition. Going further on an earlier point made by Scott, Nicolas said he would like project suppliers to be involved from the design stage itself. So they could explain the product’s

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technical and environmental merits and demerits to the designers along with the cost factors to developers and contractors. In this way, added Viren, the best quality products at the most reasonable costs could be incorporated in into projects resulting in better value for money to tenants while at the same time providing healthier living spaces for them. The next topics on the table were the latest trends and changes in construction such as the mandatory requirement now for green concrete, the shift of public space development from malls and multiplexes to more covered outdoor spaces, open aircooled souks and outdoor entertainment venues. These outdoor projects will require a closer look during the design stages and will deploy not only the latest technologies but also the more traditional and natural methods of “green awareness” and living comfortably in the environment of the Middle East. Finally, the panel discussed ways to foster greater co-operation between the various agencies such as developers, architects, contractors and suppliers. One of the key ways to do this was to ensure the right contractual framework at the start of every project. Moving away from the traditional contracts with their “silo” systems, options like Design and Build or PPP need to be explored more comprehensively. It is fundamentally transforming the way different teams work individually and together. Another way to encourage a healthy exchange of ideas was communication and education through events like open competitions for sustainable project developments with academic institutions playing a key role in the whole process.l

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roundtable

Discussion Series - Sustainable Development

Innovative project management, BIM technology and early collaboration can lead to more sustainable development with the ongoing evolution of the emiratesGBC green building code and with the dubai municipality making bim an integral part of certain projects, information technology and sustainability have come sharply into focus across the construction landscape. here some leading players express their views on issues germane to their industry today.

he first Future Cities Roundtable meeting on Sustainable Development and Construction in the Middle East was held on May 28 2015 at the Bonnington Hotel in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai and panelists included: Scott Henshaw, Head of Project Management Office, DMCC Brain Johnson, Managing Partner at Godwin Austen Johnson Stephan Frantzen, Architect & Partner, P&T Group Pablo Izquiredo, Associate Sustainability & Energy, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Stephen Smith, Sustainability Manager, Brookefield Multiplex, Nicolas Neusuess, Senior Specification Manager, Knauf Viren Sharma, Sales Director, Knauf ME Below are the highlights of the topics discussed and salient points made by the panelists. With the DMCC being a leader of the Green Building movement in Dubai, what more can we do to create a legacy and provide an example for other developers to follow? Scott Henshaw: “We have launched a BIM (Building Information Modeling) collaboration platform for all of our new development projects. This platform encourages early integration of the entire supply chain and that early involvement has helped us to better design high-performance buildings. What we are trying to do is frontload sustainability requirements in the beginning of our projects. Today, what we are seeing is a convergence of BIM and Geo Spatial that are becoming technology enablers for more advanced building management systems

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that incorporate sensors to help analyze and optimize building performance over a period of time. This way we are creating a future where reliability-based maintenance enabled by technology becomes the norm.” He then went on to talk about One JLT and how by deploying early engagement practices they have achieved remarkable water and energy savings of 40 and 24 per cent respectively on the project. Stephen Smith: “Thanks to the new Design and Build model of contracting for One JLT we had the developer, the contractor and sub-contractors, all sitting in a room and working - and work shopping together to optimize the building. Thus making sure that ultimately the developer gets an asset that is a high quality office space. So shifting to a design and build approach I believe will become more prominent in the future as contractors attain a greater trust of developers.” Stephan Frantzen: “Leaving a legacy requires the creation of a better understanding among customers about certifications like LEED and then going beyond just the requirements to achieve extra credits from

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“Condition based maintenance required a significant overlap between technical personnel of the design teams and the facilities management teams.”

of the maintenance systems of future green buildings. We can also start benchmarking these systems and compare the merits of condition-based maintenance vis-à-vis traditional, preventive maintenance.”

the system. Very few developers try to use the extra credits of the green building code. For example we could create shaded areas and covered walkways so people are encouraged to walk and spend more time outdoors during the day. I think that is the kind of legacy that we can create for the master developers.” Brian Johnson: “What is happening today is that developers are focusing on only one or two projects that they want to turn out to be perfect. Whereas the need of the hour is to raise the average, and one important way of doing this is to create greater interaction and more trust between contractors and clients.” Once a green building is up and running the next big question that arises is of facilities management. How do we sustain the sustainability of these green buildings in terms of consumption of energy and other resources? Scott Henshaw: “In the longer term we would like to take the next step from preventive maintenance to conditioned-based maintenance where instead of just going in and doing routine maintenance every quarter or every six months we see maintenance as ongoing process where you are getting data from sensor systems within the building that are telling you the state of the building from moment to moment and any red flags can be analyzed and taken care of in real time on the ground without allowing them to become larger problems over time. In this way we see technology as the backbone

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Pablo Izquiredo: “Condition-based maintenance requires a significant overlap between the technical personnel of design teams and the facilities management teams. Typically the moment the design teams do the hand over they go on to another project and the current project becomes someone else’s baby. Then the facilities management team often struggles due to lack of expertise or simply due to lack of information to run the buildings. The facility managers need come on board earlier so they can provide some inputs on how they expect to run a particular system or what their past experience with the system is. Also the building designers then have to continue to be involved after the building is up and running.” How do designers use BIM and plan for contractors and facilities managers when they design technologically advanced and sustainable buildings? Stephan Frantzen: “We usually have three stages. We have the BIM modeling phase. We have life cycle analysis phase and finally we have the stage when we produce manuals for the end users and people who will actually manage the facilities so they know what they are doing. BIM is actually 10% technology and 90% sociology. How you use the system and other tools to convey the technology to the end user and how they actually end up using it is what actually determines the success of failure of a project. For example on issues of

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roundtable

Discussion Series - Sustainable Development

Knauf is producing now but they are complete system solutions like temperature control, acoustics and fire proofing. We are manufacturing a huge variety of these solutions as per the latest ASTM, EN and DIN standards with sustainability features incorporated. But once again we require complete transparency from planning to final implementation. Instead of architects and engineers first finalizing the design of a building then looking for products to suit them. They must first conduct due diligence in the market on the best products available and finalize designs accordingly. As a state-ofthe-art manufacturer, if we know from the start that the project has this price range and that performance requirement, to be implemented within a certain time frame, we can then provide a customized solution from our product range without compromising on quality or sustainability – that too, not only in product performance but also in product manufacturing processes. Knauf being a global company with worldwide operations, we are also working closely with architects here to make more aware of the local products being offered by

“They must first conduct due diligence in the market on the best products available and finalize designs accordingly.” sustainability there are ‘easy’ things you can do where you can gain 80% of what you have set out to do. But then you can spend a lot of time, money and effort to achieve that last 20% and still not achieve 100%. ” With manufacturers driving R&D in sustainable products what more can be done to ensure that all available products are sustainable? Nicolas Neussuess: “As Pablo mentioned earlier it is about transparency and the people involved in the project from A to Z. We need to talk and understand what are the requirements. As a manufacturer I have so far never been asked for BIM solutions. Its not only products that

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Knauf to suit the Middle East environment and construction industry conditions.” Viren Sharma: “The green building should have green products and this where we add unique value to a project. At our headquarters in Germany we spend millions of euros on research and innovation. For example we have products that can actually contribute to clean the air in its surrounding using a material

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roundtable

Discussion Series - Sustainable Development

called zeolite, our insulation products are formaldehyde free or lead free to suit different critical applications yet match the requirements for greener indoor environments. At Knauf the focus has always been on producing healthier and more sustainable products.” Should we be happy just meeting the green building regulations? should the mandatory requirements be taken by designers as the ultimate goal of their sustainable design efforts or just as a baseline from which to aim higher and build better? Pablo Izquiredo: “The Green Building Code is just the core requirement and architects, developers and contractors have to strive to achieve more. The code has certain mandatory requirements and optional credit points that are awarded to systems and project features that take sustainability a step further. More credits that maximize sustainability can only add to the value and salability of a project.” The other panelists all echoed Pablo’s view in that the Green Building Code is only the beginning for the creation of sustainable construction projects that add real value to people’s quality of life. What are the latest building trends within the region and how much of a role does innovation play in this? The latest trends and changes in construction were discussed such as the mandatory requirement now for green concrete, the shift of public space development from malls and multiplexes to more covered outdoor spaces, open air-cooled souks and outdoor entertainment venues. These projects will require a closer look during the design stages and will deploy not only the latest

The Green Building Code is just the core requirement and architects, developers and contractors have to strive achieve more.

technologies but also the more traditional and natural methods of “green awareness” and living comfortably in the environment of the Middle East. How can the developer, project manager, architect, contractor, consultant and manufacturer work closer together to ensure a greener building? Scott Henshaw: “Firstly I think it’s about setting the right contractual framework and a move towards design-and-build contracts will promote greater integration between the various players. One JLT is a prime example where we have worked together to deliver a great office space. I think the way forward is to move away from relying on the traditional routes and explore alternate options maybe PPP options that have not been fully explored here in the Middle East. It’s about transforming the way we work and involving the entire supply chain from the design stages of a project.” Stephan Frantzen: “Its all about communication, education and awareness. How do we build that? There are various ways, for example in Denmark, where I come from, there used to be open competitions about creating sustainable environments in which everybody, including students and architects, could participate. These kind of fresh ideas keep the more established players on their toes and also brings awareness to the whole industry. Another thing that we need to focus on more in this part of the world is the long-term sustainability of a building and not just give out awards on the basis of completed construction, certifications and multimedia presentations. The performance of a building should be evaluated over a period of 5 to 10 years and then awards should be given to the teams of the suppliers, the contractor, the facilities management company and the consultants that have all contributed to the long term success of the project.” Brian Johnson: “I think what Stephan said about the long term sustainability of a building is a very good point and we should evaluate a building on the basis of it doing what it is supposed to do and not just on what it is designed to do. Also, having these kind of forums (roundtables) where we can have detailed and constructive discussions to understand each other’s points of view and then set ourselves some common targets about what we hope to achieve in the industry within given time frames.” Pablo Lopez: “Early collaboration is the key. I think we need to move away from the traditional “silo” system of working and encourage more interaction and feedback from the various agencies that contribute to the construction process.” Nicolas Neusuess: “The three key things that can lead to greater cooperation: Awareness, Transparency and Competition”. The lively discussion continued later over lunch after which all participants parted feeling they had gained valuable insights from these roundtable discussions.l

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Discussion Series - Sustainable Development

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was really impressed by the discussion, i have been involved with many different roundtables and panel discussions in the UAE, but to have actual influencers in projects representing the vital components of the supply chain was really unique and exciting forthe future. What we must now take from this discussion is that earlier collaboration within the initial design stage is massively important in producing clean, green buildings. Future Cities ME will drive this conversation forward and would like to thank both Knauf and the DMCC in making this possible.â&#x20AC;? Harry Norman Managing Director - FlipFlop Media

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2015 Summer Edition

GOVERNMENT

abu dhabi municipality retrofits traditional lighting system with LED lights; plans to recycle milled asphalt from road construction the abu dhabi municipality has undertaken a number of projects to make its services more environmentally friendly. the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;public lighting guideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is one such intitiative to make government officials and the public more aware of the systems and benefits of using sustainable lighting for streets, buildings and other public places.

bu Dhabi City Municipality is going places in implementing its sustainable public lighting strategy in scores of ongoing projects, as part of a master plan set by the Municipality with the aim of perpetuating the values and standards of sustainability in all projects undertaken. Such a move fits well with the municipal systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive aimed at fulfilling sustainability requirements, conserving energy sources and rationalizing consumption by adopting state-of-the-art efficient lighting systems; which will accordingly cut operational and maintenance costs. The public lighting strategy in Abu Dhabi is aligned with the municipal policies and procedures based on the principles of sustainability, saving power consumption, and bringing success to the concept of applying sustainability to infrastructural projects at all levels. The implementation of the sustainable public lighting strategy in Abu Dhabi will bring about many positives such as cutting the total cost of public lighting by about 60-75% over the next two decades. It will

2015 Summer Edition

also contribute to slashing power consumption by a minimal of 60%, diminishing carbon dioxide emission by about 75%, and minimizing equipment and maintenance works by about 4080% in the future. The drive also aims to reduce light pollution rates by 60%, improve and develop lighting network to enhance prosperity and environmental responsibility; which will accordingly contribute to achieving the desired sustainable development and ranking Abu Dhabi city amongst the top cosmopolitan cities worldwide. The Municipality had implemented a number of projects in line with Abu Dhabi sustainable lighting strategy including the installation of LED lighting system on Sheikh Zayed Street. A benchmark study commissioned to evaluate and compare LED lighting solutions with traditional lighting systems showed that LED lighting systems achieved an annual saving of 85%, and cut down the number of lighting devices in the same street from 1000 to 660 LED-powered lamps. The sustainable lighting projects carried out by the Municipality include the installation of LED lighting system in the Sheikh Zayed Tunnel, which saved up consumption by 86%. The Municipality has also implemented a sustainable lighting project in East Sector 48

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and West Zone 33. The project reduced the Total Power Consumption from 54 to 12 kilowatt thanks to reducing the electrical power of lighting fixtures from 477 watts to 108 watts. The project of replacing traditional lighting system by sustainable lighting devices in the West Sector, Zone 33 saves consumption by more than 62% annually. The Total Power Consumption used in internal roads has come down from 477 watts to 180 watts, and in the consumption of main roads has dropped from 1160 watts to 440 watts. The Municipality has completed the replacment of traditional lighting with LED-powered decorative lighting on Sheikh Zayed Bridge, where consumption plunged by 81% and power consumption of the bridge has dived from 417 watts to 105 watts, while the consumption of decorative lighting devices plummeted from 494 watts to only 76 watts. Traditional lighting devices have been replaced with LEDpowered lighting devices in pedestrian tunnels in Abu Dhabi city, where power consumption had dropped by 56%. The Total Power Consumption fell from 110 to 67 and the replacement of spotlight in tunnels resulted in decreasing consumption from 70 watts to 35 watts, while the ceiling lighting consumption plunged from 100 watts to 68 watts. The Municipality has also completed the replacement of traditional lighting with LED-powered lighting system beneath bridges in Abu Dhabi city, including (Al Jawazat Bridge, Al Saada Bridge and Al Muroor Bridge). The project has contributed to reducing power consumption by at least 75%. As part of sustainability projects of public lighting strategy, Abu Dhabi City Municipality has prepared the Public Lighting Guide, which is intended to disseminate lighting principles among all community segments. This Guide contributes to realizing sustainability principles as regards implementing public lighting system, and helps the Municipality, consultants and individuals in developing lighting design. The Guide, which consists of 500 pages comprising detailed information about the principles of lighting and technology, covers several aspects such as lighting of streets, buildings, parks, and public squares, among others.

The Total Power Consumption used in internal roads has come down from 477 watts to 180 watts, and in the consumption of main roads has dropped from 1160 watts to 440 watts.

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Abu dhabi municipality

The Municipality confirms that the total gains from adopting the sustainable lighting strategy in all aforementioned projects had generated saving in as much as AED 3,286,229. The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has announced that it is currently studying an initiative to release a technical guideline for the management of the milled asphaltic materials generated from road maintenance and rehabilitation projects in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, The DoT endeavors through recycling and reusing of the milled asphaltic materials to have a significant effect on materials sustainability and environment conservation. This practice can reduce the opening of new borrow pits, hauling quarry materials, air pollution, economic cost and many other environmental concerns. The developed guidelines, once implemented, will contribute to rationalizing the impact of materials transportation from quarries which are located at far distances, and it will also eliminate the negative influence of transporting the milled materials to landfills. The DoT project, which is closely coordinated with different relevant stakeholders in the Emirate, aims to develop procedures and operational policies as well as technical specifications for management of milled asphaltic materials produced from roads and pavement maintenance works. Another objective of this project is to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts in case this guideline was enforced. This step comes as part of the DoT efforts to issue technical regulations that would have positive impact on sustainability and environment, in addition to cost reduction. The importance of this project stems from the fact that there are large quantities of milled asphaltic materials generated each year from demolishing existing asphalt pavement as part of the rehabilitation and maintenance work executed by DoT as well as other government entities or private agencies. This calls for specific guidelines and regulations able to handle these disposed materials. Therefore, the DoT endeavors to explore practical solutions to recycle and reuse these materials in the construction and maintenance of roads and other related fields.l

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Construction, Development & Infrastructure xxxxxx

Master planning future cities Population growth, climate change, innovation and socioeconomic disparities are forcing architects to take a more holistic approach to urban planning to create cities that are adaptive, inclusive and responsible

here cities have experienced rapid urban growth, highrise buildings and expanded infrastructure networks are often the solution, resulting in increased demands for energy and competition for resources. The effects of such a reactive approach to urban growth, where short term solutions are implemented to address the immediate needs of a city, are no longer viable solutions if we are to create cities that are resilient to change and are sustainable. Aside from the environmental impact of urban growth, we also need to consider the social and economic impact. Communities in highrise buildings are often alienated by glass and concrete, socio-economic divides form within the city and physical inactivity and pollution contributes to poor public health. Creating an adaptive master plan requires a framework that integrates the following elements: Engagement: Engaging stakeholders in the planning process often gives a greater insight and depth of understanding to the underlying issues in the city, its heritage and the cultural fabric of the district. Such public consultation also gives people the opportunity to contribute to the success of their city. In order to build adaptive strategies into the master plan, demographic changes and socio-economic trends over an extended period, need to be considered. Sustainability: Greater emphasis has been placed on the responsible stewardship of natural resources, preservation of biodiversity and sustainable design strategies; with clean technologies, sustainable building materials, recycling, consumption and life cycle assessments, to reduce the environmental impact and operational costs of units. However, there is a disconnect between innovation and implementation. Many of the technologies we need to create sustainable smart cities that can actually create energy-plus buildings are available, however they are yet to be integrated.

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OSYSTEMS & DI V | EC E RS IT Y

BL I S

S IC ET TH ES

RESP O

E UR T L

ER | CONNECT RACT IVI TY CHA

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Our ability to successfully manage projects effectively, on time and within budget is one of the many reasons we receive repeat business from our clients.

2015 Summer Edition

SUSTAINAB ONS | ILI RIZ TY HO

*Written by the Godwin Austen Johnson team

|E C OA

Connectivity: Connectivity is becoming increasingly important as we aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions and deal with congested transport infrastructure systems. Interconnected localized communities within cities, that are served by social and commercial amenities within walking distance, promote pedestrian activity and reduce the need for increased transport infrastructure. This strategy alone creates environmental, economic and social linkages. Connectivity not only relates to transport, but also information and data sharing. Smart cities and smart homes are on the rise and access to such technologies and information drives resource efficiency. A wide range of benefits can be derived from an integrated approach to planning including environmental, economic and social enhancement. The implementation of such green planning initiatives can of course be complex and costly to implement, however the long term costs of not doing so, are immense.l

L US I V E INC

CULTURE AND CHARACTER: Creating a city that its residents and visitors can relate to, requires bridging the past with the future, and fostering traditional culture and character. Education and active engagement through wayfinding and other planning tools, integrates the community and its surroundings and assists in branding an identifiable city.

NG NI AN

Eco-Aesthetics: Streets and public spaces are opportunities to create open spaces accessible to all. Eco-aesthetics and urban furnishings not only create a positive environmental impact, but enhance the human experience and pedestrian activity, by inviting passive and active engagement with public areas. This is also an attractive way of defining zones and fostering social cohesion in the community.

E V I

Communities in highrise buildings are often alienated by glass and concrete, socio-economic divides form within the city and physical inactivity and pollution contributes to poor public health.

ENGAGEMENT | EX TE ITY N ND MU ED M O C PL

Construction, Development & Infrastructure xxxxxx

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT FOREFRONT OF UAE REAL ESTATE MARKET Government officials and real estate experts to gather for top-level property discussions at Cityscape Global Conference

t the upcoming Cityscape Global Conference scheduled for September 7, 2015, one of the important issues to be discussed will be the current shortage of middle income housing in the Middle East. “With a shortage of housing for those families earning salaries around the UAE average, it is important that we address some of the best practice initiatives and developments that have been launched in the Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt and continue to implement them across the industry,” says, Craig Plumb, Head of Research at JLL MENA. Affordable housing, the growing demand for quality facility management and the need to improve broker knowledge of Dubai regulations are the three themes scheduled for discussions at the new one-day conference, taking place on 7 September at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai, ahead of the exhibition which runs from 8-10 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. “There are several constraints and challenges that have resulted in the current shortage of housing for middle income households and the Cityscape Global Conference is the platform to address these issues with leading experts in the field. For the first time in the UAE we will show how much such households can afford to spend on their housing in the region,” adds Plumb. The Cityscape Global Conference kicks off with a focus on Dubai and, in particular, affordable housing. With Dubai Municipality recently revealing their plans to introduce mandatory affordable housing quotas for all new residential developments, the trend towards low to middle income properties is anticipated to remain one of the major features of the residential market over the next few years. A senior representative from the Dubai Land Department will deliver the keynote presentation on Dubai’s urban expansion and will explore the role of innovation in shaping the Emirates’ future built environment, as well as assessing the upcoming changes in real estate regulations. Leading market research company

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Government officials and senior real estate professionals are prepped for the Cityscape Global Conference, taking place on 7 September at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai

YouGov, Cityscape Global’s Research Partner, will reveal figures from a one of a kind study looking at the UAE real estate market as a whole, its investors and the end-users who typify the industry. The afternoon of Cityscape Global Conference will be split between a Facilities Management programme, co-organised with the Middle East Facility Management Association and sponsored by Ejadah Asset Management, and a Real Estate Brokers programme, sponsored by Masterkey. Quality facility management is key to protecting property values, lowering operational costs and improving the sustainability of our built environments. The industry is underdeveloped locally, but options are fast improving and changing the real estate landscape of quality products. Ali Al Suwaidi, MEFMA board member, will outline Dubai’s emerging star-rating system, which aims to bring transparency to the Dubai property market. In addition, best practices will be shared by FM experts such as Abdulla Al-Wahedi, Sr Director Facilities Management at Emaar Properties, Ejadah Asset Management CEO Billy Daly, and Aly Alsherif, Vice President Design & Construction at Accor Hotels ME. Facilitating the development and growth of the real estate brokerage industry, Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the regulatory arm of Dubai Land Department, will open the Real Estate Brokers programme with an exclusive insight into the industry and discuss the impact new regulations have on brokers. Nadia Butt, Managing Director of Lanhill, highlights the significance of the programme: “It is important because it brings together key people in the field to

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Cityscape GC 2015

discuss ideas on how to enhance transparency and improve ethics and standards in the Dubai real estate market. This is crucial for developing a professional and regulated industry in order to protect the consumer, as well as the brokerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, rights.â&#x20AC;? The 14th edition of Cityscape Global has grown by 30% in 2015 and will host more than 300 exhibitors from 30 different countries in a significantly expanded exhibition arena. Also running in tandem with the exhibition is the Cityscape Awards for Emerging Markets. The awards programme attracts hundreds of entries from developers and architects in emerging markets globally. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai, on 8 September, 2015.l

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Construction, Development & Infrastructure xxxxxx

Faris Saeed, Diamond Developers CEO and co-Founder

Diamond Developers Extends its Relationship with University California Davis Real estate developer behind The Sustainable City to fund further research into developing global sustainability practices

iamond Developers the real estate organization behind The Sustainable City, Dubai’s first world-class sustainable community project, is extending its relationship with the University California Davis (UC Davis), United States, in a collaborative venture that will fund academic and applied research on sustainable development. The Sustainable City (TSC) is a practical implementation of social, economic and environmental (SEE) sustainability. Through stakeholder engagement, innovative design and future monitoring to sustain, the city embodies the true meaning of sustainable living. With 46 hectares, a population of 2,700 residents and located in Dubailand on Al Qudra Road, TSC is a 20 minute drive to both Al Maktoum International Airport and the Burj Al Arab Hotel. TSC comprises of various land uses such as residential, commercial, educational, urban farming, leisure, healthcare and an Innovation Center. To cement the new expansion of their relationship, which was first established with an MoU in February 2014, a senior delegation from Diamond Developers visited UC Davis in May. The main item on the agenda was how the UC Davis could benefit from The Sustainable City’s Innovation Centre, a research institution that is being

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established to promote best practices in sustainability – and how the Sustainable City could benefit from UC Davis’ worldclass research and scholarship. Included in the Diamond Developers’ group visiting UC Davis were Faris Saeed, Diamond Developers CEO and co-Founder and Wassim Adlouni, Diamond Developers Vice President and Board Member. Among the UC Davis representatives receiving the party were Linda Katehi, Chancellor UC Davis; Ralph Hexter, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor; David Lawlor, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Distinguished Professor Suad Joseph and Professor Bryan Jenkins. “This was an important visit that enabled us to discuss how Diamond Developers is going to work in cooperation with UC Davis to fund further research into sustainable development. In particular, it gave us the opportunity to showcase the facilities of The Sustainable City’s Innovation Centre, which will set new standards for research and education relating to the conservation of resources and the environment. We were delighted to be able to use the opportunity to plan such initiatives as possible future visits for UC Davis’ students to the Innovation Centre, the sharing of knowledge and the comparing of best practice,” said Faris Saeed, Diamond Developers CEO and co-Founder. The collaboration between Diamond Developers and UC Davis extends further, including the development of a professional training program in sustainability with an online curriculum; and the development of sustainability performance indicators which will be relevant to arid climates, such as the UAE and California and other areas of research cooperation. “The collaboration between UC Davis and Diamond Developers, especially around the twin Innovation Centers, promises to pioneer path-breaking research and train a new generation of scholars who will lead the UAE and the region towards the future of sustainable cities,” Distinguished Professor Suad Joseph observed. Diamond Developers’ excursion to UC Davis also evaluated the ongoing Sustainability Research and Training Programme (SRTP). The five research projects currently underway under the scheme are funded by Diamond Developers and carried out by UC Davis and four leading Arab Universities; American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University, American University in Cairo and Birzeit University in Palestine. Project topics are related to sustainability and the built environment and include waste management, solar energy and water treatment. Proposals for new projects, currently under consideration focus on social sustainability topics. Diamond Developers established The Sustainable City to be a world-class project underpinned by the three key elements of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. When complete, it will have a residential area comprising 500 townhouses and courtyard villas, an ‘Eco-resort’ of 143 bungalows and

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the sustainable city

TSC PROJECT FEATURES The Sustainable City (TSC) is a practical implementation of social, economic and environmental (SEE) sustainability. The City embodies the true meaning of sustainable living through stakeholder engagement, innovative design and future monitoring to sustain itself. TSC comprises various land-uses such as residential, commercial, educational, urban farming, leisure, healthcare and The Sustainability Center of Excellence. The city consists of: The Buffer Zone The Equestrian Center The Central Green Spine The Residential Clusters Courtyard & Garden Villa Community Mall Mosque Eco-Resort and Country Club School Science Museum & Planetarium Sustainability Center of Excellence

SIZE & LOCATION

46 hectares Located in Dubailand on Al Qudra Road 20 minutes drive to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Burj Al Arab Hotel

PROJECT TIMELINE

Phase 1 Completion: (3rd Quarter 2015) The Green Belt Buffer Zone Equestrian Center The Central Green Spine Residential clusters 1-5 Community Mall All utilities Delegation from Diamond Developers pose with members of UC Davis Team.

individual units and a luxury sustainable hotel with a natural spa centre. Residents will enjoy a variety of sports and leisure facilities, such as a Community Centre and Equestrian Club, as well as biking and shaded jogging trails across the city. Natural ‘biodome’ greenhouses, an organic farm and individual garden farms will be in place for local food production. The city will produce much of its own electric power with onsite photovoltaic generation and will separate all waste water into grey and black water waste streams to be recycled and used for the landscape and urban farming. Convenient essential facilities will include clinics, banks a ‘Green School’ and a mosque, while tourist attractions will feature a Planetarium and a grass Amphitheatre for the hosting of events. The Sustainable City’s Innovation Centre, which was under discussion at the Diamond Developers’ meeting with UC Davis, is expected to become a major knowledge resource and educational centre on sustainable practices. UC Davis is a premier public institution of higher education located in California, USA. From its founding a century ago as a pioneer in agriculture, it is also dedicated to seeking solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing challenges. In 2012-13, UC Davis was awarded over $700M in research funding from agencies and foundations outside the university. It operates numerous specialized research centres. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and 99 undergraduate majors in four colleges and six professional schools. UC Davis’ commitment to the environment and sustainability is reflected in a number of national rankings. UC Davis has the number one ranked college of agriculture and environmental science in the world, and the number one ranked school of veterinary medicine in the world. UC Davis is one of the top green universities in the world.l

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Phase 2 Completion: (4th Quarter 2016) Eco-Resort Country Club School Science Museum & Planetarium Sustainability Center of Excellence

Transportation

Limited vehicular access to the outer perimeter ring road and parking lots only. This means internal transportation relies on the following: Zero-emission vehicles, charged by solar panels, and alternative modes of transportation such as: Electric vehicles - provided to each household Internal public transport electric buses Bicycles and segways EV Charging stations provided across the city Subsidy for an electric car for each household Electric shuttle bus connecting the City to the nearest metro station (Mall of Emirates)

Waste

Fully-integrated sorting-atsource waste bins throughout the entire community Sorted waste sent to sister company: Tadweer Recycling Facility. Organic waste will be composted and turned into fertilizer and used in the productive & nonproductive landscapes Waste management awareness programs offered on how to reduce & reuse waste

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Construction, Development & Infrastructure xxxxxx

City Centre Mirdif attains LEED Gold certification for EBOM Majid Al Futtaim, the leading retail and leisure pioneer in the Middle East, has set a new global benchmark in sustainable retail development and property management. The US Green Building Council confirmed City Centre Mirdif shopping mall in Dubai as the largest mall in the world to achieve the LEED Gold EBOM (Existing Buildings Operation and Maintenance) rating, which is located in one of the hottest places on earth.

he three million square foot City Centre Mirdif encapsulates the very best example of the five-year Sustainability and Green Building Strategy, which has set the standard for developers not just in the United Arab Emirates, but across the Middle East region. Through its assets, Majid Al Futtaim continually develops and advances its understanding of sustainable development, using innovative techniques to reduce impact on the planet and improve operational performance and efficiencies. The initiative at City Centre Mirdif required the co-operation of more than 500 retailers in the mall including Carrefour and leisure and entertainment brands VOX Cinemas, Little Explorers and Magic Planet. The mall operations team, retailers, and brands supported efforts by achieving targets across 110 category areas including alternative transport, water efficiency, waste management, green cleaning policies and efficient energy management. Alain Bejjani, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “We are witnessing a genuine drive of development projects pursuing increasingly higher levels of sustainability, with more companies seeking to embrace internationally-recognised standards. We lead by example by applying international best practices across our

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Government officials and senior real estate professionals are prepped for the Cityscape Global Conference, taking place on 7 September at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai

entire business operations and portfolio of brands. In doing so we support the economic and social development of Dubai and the wider Middle East region.” The innovative sustainability practices, implemented by Majid Al Futtaim, signify the company’s leadership in the green building movement in MENA. The accomplishment also supports Dubai’s vision to become one of the most sustainable cities in the world by 2020, which forms part of the United Arab Emirate’s broader development and economic diversification goals. Working in partnership with Enova by Veolia, a Majid Al Futtaim facilities and energy management provider, the success at City Centre Mirdif will serve as a catalyst to increase the adoption of sustainable building

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practices across the MENA region. Buildings that were previously ineligible to be considered for LEED certification can now target ratings, following the combined efforts of Majid Al Futtaim and the U.S. Green Building Council. The harsh Middle East climate previously excluded buildings from achieving LEED EBOM, because of the high amount of energy consumption used for cooling (more than 60%), along with the complex nature of integrated malls in the region. Majid Al Futtaim pioneered this concept in the Middle East back in 1995, combining a variety of retail, leisure and hospitality businesses such as gyms, medical clinics, cinemas, hypermarkets, hotels and retail into one lifestyle destination. Chris Dixon, Technical Operations Director, Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim said: “The biggest hurdle was achieving the energy and atmosphere pre-requisite for energy requirements set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Working together for 18 months we developed a regression analysis model so that buildings in the region can become eligible for the certification for the first time. With malls open for 16 hours a day, and outside temperatures reaching over 50 degrees Celsius, it is far more difficult to acquire LEED Certification than other parts of the world, and until now wasn’t possible.” Implementing this innovative governance structure for sustainability supports the Dubai Government’s vision and also upholds the United Nations Global Compact, to which Majid Al Futtaim became a signatory in 2013. Majid Al Futtaim has already achieved significant progress since the strategy was implemented two years ago including achieving high standards of energy efficiency. Since 2012, Majid Al Futtaim has saved over 11,000 megawatts, which is enough energy to supply electricity to over 200 households for an entire year. Other areas where the company has made a significant impact across its assets include: USD $410,000 saved in hotels as a result of environmental investment, achieving LEED Gold certification on a third of its buildings including City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Beirut, and My City Centre Al Nasseriya and contributing almost USD $2 million towards community investment in 2014. Bejjani concluded, “We develop and manage better buildings that are highly environmentally efficient to deliver social and economic benefits to our communities, customers and supply chain. By embedding sustainability in our business we increase the value of our brand, boost long-term profitability, create new business opportunities, and maintain our talented workforce.”l

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Mirdif City Centre LEED certification

Majid Al Futtaim sets global benchmark achieving GOLD Certification in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 18 months were dedicated to working with the city centre’s 500+ retailers to achieve the accolade

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SUSTAINABILITY

Saeed Al abbar Saeed currently serves as Chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council and is the Vice Chairman of the World Green Building Council MENA Network. In this capacity, Saeed actively works to promote the advancement of sustainable buildings in the UAE and MENA region by working with industry, academia and government departments to develop collaborative solutions to some of the region’s greatest challenges. Saeed is also a Director at AESG, a firm specialising in the provision of energy and sustainability consultancy in the Middle East. He holds a First Class Masters degree with honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and is a Certified Energy Manager, LEED Accredited Professional and Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional.

EGBC launches first ‘Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings’ in the UAE The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has launched the ‘Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings’ to serve as a guide for UAE industry professionals and building end-users

he Guidelines have been created in conformance with the UAE’s sustainability agenda, as part of its National Agenda 2021 and in line with local sustainable strategies such as the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. Compiled by EmiratesGBC and written by volunteer EmiratesGBC members and stakeholders, with the endorsement of the Ministry of Public Works and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the Technical Guidelines cover current processes, technologies, and local

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and regional standards in place to successfully and efficiently retrofit existing buildings in the country. At the launch event, Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “The UAE has a great potential for shifting towards a greener future. In Dubai alone, it is estimated that 30,000 out of the 120,000 existing buildings have a high energy saving potential. The Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings have been compiled to leverage on this by reaching out to all stakeholders across the industry and guide them through the process of making existing buildings more sustainable.” “A fundamental aspect of this document is that it has been compiled by industry experts within the UAE, which ensures that the guidelines are specific to the UAE’s unique climatic and economical context,” Al Abbar added. Carbon emissions comprise approximately 74% of the UAE’s ecological footprint and are a result of energy generation and emissions brought about by the burning of fossil fuels and the operation of inefficient buildings in the country. The Guidelines provide an organised collection of economically viable methods that will equip existing building owners in the UAE with the necessary tools to achieve sustainable and comfortable buildings, as well as specific processes that can be implemented to improve a building’s performance, save money, and prevent further pollution of the environment. The retrofit solutions provided enable immediate and long-term reductions and/ or efficiency in energy and water use, improvements in indoor air quality, and effective waste management, with subsequent lowering of utility and labour costs for building owners. This new publication further complements the ‘EmiratesGBC Energy Efficiency Programme (EEP)’ launched late last year, which consists of a database that serves as a catalyst for all interested players, including energy efficiency equipment manufacturers and vendors; contractors, facility managers, banks and financiers; insurance companies and energy service companies (ESCOs) to assist in facilitating their industry requirements related to energy efficiency, by directing their needs to other players. BASF, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Fujairah Rockwool Factory, Griffin Consultants, Mapei, SMC Interiors, Wacker Chemicals and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff are the sponsors of the Technical Guidelines. As an independent forum, EmiratesGBC strives to influence policy and regulations and support the industry to further best practices in the construction industry, and raise awareness on the importance of green building practices. As part of its efforts in promoting sustainability, EmiratesGBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East.l

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EmiratesGBC

Endorsed by the Ministry of Public Works and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Guidelines highlight current processes, technologies and best practices for greening existing buildings

Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings OUTLINE: The Technical Guidelines provide an organised collection of economically viable methods that will equip existing building owners in the UAE and the region with the necessary tools to achieve sustainable and comfortable buildings. The Technical Guidelines have been developed in conformance with the UAE’s sustainability agenda – a part of its National Agenda 2021 - and in conformance with local sustainable strategies such as the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy (DIES) and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. The Technical Guidelines’ are divided into 5 sections. Energy The global average for energy consumption by buildings is 40%; in the UAE, the most current estimates put this usage in the range of 7080%. Moreover, 60-70% of the energy used by buildings is used to cool the indoor spaces. Energy management for buildings is a vast and well-established field which utilises various systems and technologies ranging from simple no-cost/low-cost solutions, building shell improvements, to fully integrated Energy Management Systems (EMS) which can bring in significant long-term savings within a short period of time. This chapter aims to highlight the main ways energy consumption can be optimised in existing buildings while minimising environmental impacts.

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Water Management In order to sufficiently meet the growing demand for potable water due to increasing population and industrial activities, the use of common processes of obtaining water - underground aquifers and desalination - currently exceeds the region’s ecological capacity and impacts the environment in detrimental ways. The Ministry of Environment and Water estimates that at current rates of consumption, the demand for potable water will double to 8.8 billion cubic metres by 2030. The need to educate the population to help reduce water consumption is an absolute necessity to mitigate the on going and impending negative ecological impacts of simple water consumption. This chapter deals with reducing the demand for water and maintaining proper water quality in green buildings through several ways, including by implementing proper water management techniques and by refurbishing and recycling water from various sources. Indoor Air Quality When retrofitting a building, Indoo r Air Quality or IAQ is a critical aspect of the project to take into consideration as most people spend a significant amount of their time

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SUSTAINABILITY

indoors. IAQ problems are caused by exposure to building materials and furnishings, activities within the building, and also external ambient conditions. Poor IAQ can also be a result of inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, or noise controls. Strategies to improve indoor air quality have the potential to reduce liability for building owners, increase the resale value of buildings, and improve the health of occupants. These strategies entail improvements in construction methods, specifying materials with low volatile organic compounds and chemical concentrations; providing adequately filtered input of fresh air into the facilities, and better monitoring and testing of ventilation equipment, all of which are covered in this chapter. Materials & Waste The UAE has developed rapidly in the last four decades with a population that has increased by a factor of 620 since the country was founded in 1971. It is estimated that more than 26 million tonnes of waste was collected in the UAE in 2012. Abu Dhabi alone accounted for over 6 million tonnes. And this number is expected to increase to 8.4 million tonnes by 2017. Managing waste successfully is more than a legislative process. To protect the environment and people from the toxic fumes released from landfills, and to reduce the unnecessary consumption of materials, means that responsibility ultimately comes down to individuals, building owners and occupants, and facility managers, to develop and maintain their own effective strategies to control the production of waste. This chapter provides a twoâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; pronged approach to managing and reducing waste generated from buildings: 1) effective operational waste management and 2) the establishment of a working green purchasing policy. Innovation & Management Innovative strategies that improve the liveability and

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Strategies to improve indoor air quality have the potential to reduce liability for building owners, increase the resale value of buildings, and improve the health of occupants.

sustainability of a building are constantly improving within the industry. These strategies may include activities which engage building occupants to participate in various collaborative and social activities, and which help align individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; immediate goals with environmental preservation. Training sessions provided to facility management staff on sustainable practices have proven to improve maintenance and caretaking schedules, increase the life of a building and ensure that efficient methods established in previous chapters are effectively implemented. The corresponding chapter addresses key strategies which exemplify the technical know-how obtained from best practices around the world and which increase occupant satisfaction, awareness, and willingness to improve the health and sustainability of a building. Each chapter is comprised of subchapters which provide readers a choice of specific processes they can implement to improve their buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance, save money, and prevent further pollution of the environment. The retrofit solutions provided enable immediate and long-term reductions and/ or efficiency in energy and water use, improvements in indoor air quality, and effective waste management, with subsequent lowering of utility and labour costs for building owners. Some of the solutions are easy to implement at no cost or very low cost, while others require consequent investments and the involvement of specialised professionals.l

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Low operation costs Cooling meters designed for a long life with a minimum of maintenance

We launched the first ultrasonic meter in 1991. Time has shown that the ultrasonic technology has been extremely reliable in terms of accuracy over time. Through research and development we have focused on improving measuring stability over the entire product lifetime. We can therefore now document that our BTU meters measure correctly and deliver reliable consumption data still after more than 15 years in operation.

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SUSTAINABILITY

The United arab emirates Ranks Eighth in the world for LEED certified Green Buildings The US Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that the United Arab Emirates ranked eighth on USGBC’s annual ranking of the Top 10 Countries for LEED, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system. The list ranks countries in terms of gross square meters and numbers of LEED projects to date. The announcement comes at a time of increased international focus on climate change mitigation in the lead up to the United Nations’ COP21 climate negotiations this December.

he increased popularity of LEED throughout the UAE is reflective of the country’s aggressive push to achieve greater economic diversification, and USGBC’s recognition of the country’s green building community. It is timely as it follows the government’s announcement last month that the country’s non-oil related sectors have seen an 8.1 per cent growth in 2015, meaning that these sectors of the economy are on target to constitute as much as 80 per cent of the Emirates’ national gross domestic product (GDP) by 2021. The international green building market is also projected to see significant growth in the next 10 years, and the UAE is poised to benefit from this rapid market expansion. USGBC’s announcement also follows a report from the World Bank in June that noted that the UAE has seen an unhealthy spike in PM 2.5 air pollution. LEED is known for its emphasis on improving indoor environmental quality for building inhabitants, and people typically spend 90 per cent of their time indoors where air quality tends to be much worse than outdoor air quality. “LEED-certified buildings help ensure that our collective legacy to our children and our children’s children is founded in environmental stewardship, high standards of human health and a desire to ensure that our economic growth occurs in a foreword looking and responsible way,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The United Arab Emirates has become an increasingly important center for the global green building movement, a development that will help provide greater environmental health and increased economic opportunity

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The international green building market is also projected to see significant growth in the next 10 years, and the UAE is poised to benefit from this rapid market expansion for its citizens and will hopefully help to inspire a robust green building market throughout the Middle East.” The 10 countries that made the list for 2015 are geographically and culturally diverse, representing seven of the world’s 20 largest single-nation economies by gross domestic product (GDP) (China, Germany, Brazil, India, Canada, South Korea and Turkey), as well as six of the top 11 emitters of greenhouse gases (China, India, Germany, South Korea, Canada and Brazil). The analysis used to develop the list ranks countries in terms of gross square meters (GSM) and numbers of LEED projects to date. LEED-certified spaces use less energy and water resources, save money for families, businesses and taxpayers, reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. The United States, the birthplace of LEED, is not included in this list but remains the world’s largest market for LEED. The U.S. is the world’s largest economy by GDP as well as the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Every day, nearly 172,000 GSM of space is certified using LEED, and there are currently more than 69,800 commercial and institutional projects representing 1.23 billion GSM of space participating in the green building rating system. An additional 76,500 residential units have been certified under LEED for Homes. LEED projects can now be found in more than 150 countries and territories across the world. The full top ten ranking is as follows: Rank

Nation

GSM of LEED Total GSM of certifiedLEED-certified and space (million) registered space (millions)

Total number of LEED-certified and registered projects

Canada

26.63

63.31

4,814

China

21.97

118.34

2,022

India

13.24

73.51

1,883

Brazil

5.22

24.50

991

Republic of Korea

4.81

17.47

279

Germany

4.01

8.42

431

Taiwan

3.84

9.08

149

United Arab Emirates

3.13

53.44

910

Turkey

2.95

23.74

477

Sweden

2.54

4.20

197

United States

276.90

727.34

53,908

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A sample of notable projects that certified in the UAE in 2014 include: Abu Dhabi: International Tower, Capital Center, LEED Gold Ajman: Ajman Saray-A Luxury Hotel and Resort, LEED Silver Dubai: Panasonic Avionics, Dubai, LEED Platinum Abu Dhabi: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, LEED Certified LEED’s international popularity is reflective of the exponential growth occurring within the global green building industry. Increasing consumer demand has pushed the world’s green building market to $260 billion in 2013, and this industry surge has led to a corresponding increase in the scope and size of the green building materials market, which is expected to reach $234 billion by 2019. Internationally renowned landmarks as diverse as the Empire State Building, the Maracanã Stadium and TAIPEI 101 are now LEED-certified spaces that illustrate the impact that sustainable construction and design are having on our shared culture. At a time when the international community is looking to the UN’s negotiations in Paris as

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UAE leed ranking

a historically significant chance to come up with real, binding solutions to climate change, the global popularity of LEED is a sign that a ‘green economic miracle’ is well within reach. LEED’s success demonstrates that there are proven, internationally credible solutions to some of the complex questions surrounding climate change mitigation that can help stimulate economic growth while also avoiding harmful economic disruptions. With buildings accounting for up to 30 percent of global emissions, a commitment to the rapid transformation of the global built environment seems to be one solution that the entire world can get behind. The United Arab Emirates has a broad base of support for LEED across the country, with more than 80 USGBC member organizations spread across the country’s architecture, construction, manufacturing, real estate and retail industries. The UAE also boasts the world’s fourth largest professional LEED workforce behind only the United States, Canada and China, a statistic that shows that the country is bracing for much greater LEED green building demand in the coming years.l

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SUSTAINABILITY

new flow innovation technology promises carbon neutral creation of water from air MAZ Gulf partners with WaterMicronWorld to introduce technology which can tackle world’s water scarcity and is likely to create the next billion dollar industry

n assembly plant is being set up in Dubai for a pioneering sustainable water generation system which has been designed as a practical and economical solution to the global problem of water scarcity. Dubai-based MAZ Gulf FZE has signed a master distribution agreement with WaterMicronWorld, the world’s leading supplier of Flow Innovation Technology (FIT) water generators, and expects to begin assembly of units for the international market from Jebel Ali Free Zone next year. The two companies believe the partnership will introduce the next billion dollar industry to the Middle East and Africa, a region facing the world’s most serious water shortage problems. Developed and patented by WaterMicronWorld, the FIT method, described by the manufacturers as the world’s most eco-friendly water generation system, is much cheaper and far more productive than existing water generation technology.

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It is expected to change the face of water generation worldwide. Customers for the plants in the Middle East and Africa will be national water authorities for whom the prospect of an effective, economical and sustainable water solution will be priceless. “This is a breakthrough in the search for sustainable solutions to water shortage globally as a result of shrinking ice caps and lakes due to global warming, and increasing demands,” said Miran Ellahee, CEO of MAZ Gulf FZE, a green energy consultancy. “It has the capacity to generate water in any part of the world, irrespective of the climate. From a business perspective, we believe we are at the forefront of the next billion dollar industry.” FIT technology generates water from the air and is therefore carbon neutral. It will be of particular interest in the UAE, which is urgently seeking solutions to the problem of water scarcity. In March, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a law establishing the UAE Water Aid Foundation. Annexed to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), it is tasked with finding sustainable solutions to water shortage through use of solar energy Francisco Rodriguez, CEO of WaterMicronWorld, said: “FIT water generation plants have major advantages over methods such as desalination or reverse osmosis which use existing water sources to clean water. They require a vast capital outlay and cause their own environmental problems. Dumping salt produced in desalination back into the sea affects ecology of marine life.

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“FIT technology is also cheaper and can produce much larger volumes of water than atmosperic water generators (AWGs), which have been in existence for a number of years but are effective only in areas of high humidity. The largest capacity AWGs produce no more than 5,000 litres per day.” FIT water generators generate up to 10 million litres of water per day, and do it much more cheaply than desalination or reverse osmosis. The cost of producing water using FIT based on a 10 million litre per day plant is $0.0006 per litre or $0.60 cents per cubic meter. By comparison DEWA currently charges customers $0.0025 per liter or $2.50 per cubic meter. “We expect the Middle East and Africa to be a lucrative market for us,” said

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water generation

“FIT technology is also cheaper and can produce much larger volumes of water than atmospheric water generators (AWGs), which have been in existence for a number of years but are effective only in areas of high humidity.” Rodriguez. “FIT does not generate water from humidity, so is not only effective in hot humid climates. Whether in the South Pole, the desert, rain forest or the plains of Africa, our plants will effectively produce water.” Since launching FIT water generation plants in the Far East late last year, WaterMicronWorld won multi-million dollar orders from PETRONAS and the Government of Indonesia.l

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Energy Efficiency & Management

Solar energy projects on track to realizing UAE Vision 2021 The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar plant will be the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East when it is completed in early 2017, and will produce enough energy to power 30,000 average homes in the UAE and will displace over 469,650 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

olar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun that has been harnessed by humans. Solar power is the generation of electricity using solar energy. Sunlight can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaic cell. A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (PV), is a device that converts light into electric current. Solar cells produce direct current electricity from light, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. Most solar cells available today require protection from the environment and are packaged tightly behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic modules, or solar panels. A single module is enough to power an emergency telephone, but for a house or a power plant the modules must be arranged in multiples as arrays. The second phase of the upcoming Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will deploy 2.36 million photovoltaic modules to generate 200MW. American solar firm First Solar has signed an agreement to supply the required photovoltaic cells. The upcoming solar plant will be the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East when it is completed in early 2017, and will produce enough energy to power 30,000 average homes in the UAE and will displace over 469,650 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The plant will be built over an area of 4.5 million sqm, enough to cover as many as 100 football pitches. “This project’s impact on the global energy transition cannot be overstated. It has effectively driven down the cost of solar electricity, marking a new milestone in solar PV’s evolution as a mainstream energy resource,” said

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Ahmed S. Nada, vice president and region executive for the Middle East at First Solar. “With this win, First Solar will have earned the position of being the leading PV solutions provider in the Middle East, with a projected installed capacity of at least 270MW across the region by 2017.” A consortium led by Saudi-based power and water developer ACWA Power and TSK, a Spanish engineering and construction company, was selected earlier this year by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to develop, construct, own and operate the solar park, which is an independent power project. The project’s tariff will be 5.84 cents per kilowatt-hour, reducing the cost of solar electricity by over 20%. Alfonso Targhetta, procurement managing director and board member at TSK, remarked that the project would establish a new benchmark for reliable and affordable solar power in the Middle East. First Solar modules already power the 13MW first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. They will also be installed at the 52.5MW Shams Ma’an solar PV plant, currently being built in Jordan and scheduled for completion in the second half of 2016. As an indication the regions solar energy ambitions, ALEC, the Dubai-based contracting and construction firm, plans to target the UAE’s burgeoning solar and renewables market through its recently launched energy division. According to its General Manager James Stewart, ALEC hopes to have three to four rooftop installations signed by the end of the year. “In order to set an example for the market, ALEC Energy has committed to installing its first Dubai solar project in its own backyard”, said Stewart. “If we’re going to be promoting energy efficiency and solar power, then it makes sense that we make this investment ourselves. Because when we back it with our own money, it shows

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first solar maktoum park

that we believe in it, that it’s a good business model, and that as a company, it suits us. By the close of this year, we should have installed a system in our plant yard, which will benefit from the reduction in electrical costs.” “At the moment, we hope to sign at least three or four rooftops this year, and have a strong pipeline of opportunities for next year.” As part of its drive to attract companies to buy into solar power, ALEC Energy will be ready to finance projects to alleviate owner concerns about their expenditure. “One of the main concerns with putting solar on the rooftop is that the owner may have to make that investment and recoup that cost over time. Many companies don’t have the budget for that- you would be faced with questions about how much it’s going to cost, and once you start talking about ‘years and years’, interest is lost. Companies are focused on quarter-to-quarter in terms of their business so we decided the best way to tackle this would be to develop a financial model where we’d be able to finance the system. Companies gain the benefit of the solar system on their roof, reducing their energy costs, and we would take the risk on the long-term operations on that,” he explained. Today, solar energy’s expanding technology has reached into newfound territory far beyond traditional photovoltaic cells: from solar windows that can harness sunlight to roads that can power electric vehicles en route. With innovations surfacing on what seems like a weekly basis, the solar industry is enjoying increased efficiencies, decreasing hard costs, and exponential growth - the heady days of solar are here. l

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2015 Summer Edition

Energy Efficiency & Management

“One of the most important factors for the success of smart cities is the seamlessness and availability of roundthe-clock integrated and connected services that meet daily living requirements.”

DEWA supports the ‘Smart City’ initiative with smart metres and grids the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has consistently worked toward increasing the efficiency and capacity of the infrastructure for the production, transmission and distribution of energy and water to meet the growing demand from costumers, developers and businesses

ith the ongoing preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai, DEWA has launched a number of initiatives under its MD and CEO, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. DEWA has robust plans to raise the productivity and further enhance electricity and water transmission and distribution networks for the next 10 years. These plans are updated every year according to the data and anticipations of future demand and consumption and in line with the comprehensive development plans set by the Government of Dubai.

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H.E. E Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

It is also based on data and information from developers and the business sector. All governmental entities and organisations are working to implement the ‘Smart City’ initiative announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aiming at transforming Dubai into the smartest city in the world by 2017. The initiative features six key pillars and 100 initiatives on transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic services, urban planning. Under the strategy, 1000 government services will go smart in the next three years. “Our experience in implementing the smart grid strategy is unique because it is fully-integrated. DEWA has developed the smart grid strategy which is a key component of a smart city. We have developed plans and programmes for demand side management, energy efficiency and operational improvement under the smart grid strategy. These programmes include advanced metering infrastructure, asset management, demand-

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side management, distribution automation, information technology infrastructure, substation automation, system integration, telecommunications, and efficiency, reliability, and availability of energy supplies,” he added. “One of the most important factors for the success of smart cities is the seamlessness and availability of round-the-clock integrated and connected services that meet daily living requirements. In 2009, DEWA started its smart transformation. It was the first government organisation to achieve a 100% smart transformation, less than a year after the Smart Dubai initiative was announced. Adoption of smart services was 62% last year. DEWA’s smart app, which was launched in 2010, provides over 150 services and features that makes life easier for everyone, including people with special needs by enabling them to complete their transactions anytime, anywhere,” noted Al Tayer. The smart metre initiative focuses on using smart applications through smart metres and grids, and provides many smart features and applications for customers. As part of the first phase, DEWA is currently installing 200,000 smart metres which will be operational by January 2016. Subsequently,

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dewa smart meters

more than one million smart metres will be installed all over Dubai by 2020, replacing all mechanical and electromechanical metres. Smart metres will speed service connection, improve response times, provide instant reconnection of electricity, and rationalise consumption to enhance the happiness and well-being of citizens and residents and to support resource sustainability. The benefits of smart metres include providing automatic and detailed readings for consumers to monitor actual consumption for a specific period of time to better understand and manage their bills. Smart metres help identify energy efficiency solutions. They send readings automatically using advanced communication media such as fibre optic cables and store the entire history of all consumption indicators and customer-related operations. Additionally, smart metres will support renewable sources of energy in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors by comparing supplies from consumption and generation sides. The smart metres project complements the smart grid project by DEWA to implement a number of technical features in electricity networks, using the latest SCADA systems, smart monitoring and control automation systems to provide electricity and water services to the highest standards of availability, efficiency and reliability. The smart metres initiative underlines the commitment of DEWA to promote sustainable development and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for smart infrastructure.l

2015 Summer Edition

smart technology

Dubai’s Museum of the Future to be set up from world’s first 3D printed office 3D printing particularly suited for the demands of certain Middle East countries

lans have been revealed for setting up the world’s first fully functional 3D printed building in Dubai, an ambitious move that will establish the UAE’s position as the global centre of technology in architecture construction and design. Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohamed Al Gergawi, the Chairman UAE National Innovation Committee, said the UAE aims to deploy the latest technologies to improve people’s lives and to develop its economy in line with the country’s National Innovation Strategy and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. “This project reflects the vision of our leadership here in Dubai,” His Excellency Al Gergawi said. “We are keen to use the latest technologies to simplify people’s lives and to serve them better. This project is part of our overall innovation strategy to create new designs and new solutions in education, healthcare and cities. Our goal is to increase the happiness and wellbeing of our residents and to pioneer new solutions for the world.” “The idea of 3D printing buildings was once a dream, but today it has become a reality,” he added. “This building will be a testimony to the efficiency and creativity of 3D printing technology, which we believe will play a major role in reshaping construction

2015 Summer Edition

and design sectors. We aim to take advantage of this growth by becoming a global hub for innovation and 3D printing. This is the first step of many more to come.” Experts estimate that 3D printing technology can reduce the production time of buildings by 50 to 70 per cent, reduce labour costs by 50 to 80 per cent, and can save between 30 and 60 per cent of construction waste. These savings translate to enhanced productivity, higher economic return, and increased sustainability. The ‘Office’ will be approximately 2,000 square feet in size and will be printed layer-by-layer using a 20-foot tall 3D printer, then assembled on site in Dubai in just a few weeks. All interior furniture, detailing, and structural components will also be built using 3D printing technology, combining a mixture of Special Reinforced Concrete (SRC), Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) and Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP). This combination will make it the most advanced 3D printed structure ever built at this scale and the first to be put into actual use. The building is the result of a partnership between Dubai and WinSun Global along with leading global architecture and engineering firms Gensler, Thornton Thomasetti, and Syska Hennessy. In addition to prototyping new technology, the ‘Office’ reflects the latest input from experts and researchers in workplace design and the future of work. Located at a busy intersection in the heart of Dubai, the ‘Office’ is designed to bring together different professionals, community members, and experts through a mix of public events. The space is open and flexible, allowing for a range of uses and team sizes. It will also feature a small digital fabrication facility and a 3D printing exhibition space. The project is the first major initiative of the ‘Museum of the Future’, launched earlier this year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. It highlights the Museum’s model of industry – government – designer collaboration, which is intended to develop and deploy cutting edge prototypes across the city of Dubai. It will act as the temporary headquarters for the staff of the ‘Museum of

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the Future’ while the permanent Museum is being built. In the Middle East, 3D printing can be a potential game changer for the construction industry especially in countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt where there is an urgent need for quickly built and affordable housing projects. The benefits of 3D construction include a faster construction process, as well as reduced labour costs and waste generation. Utilised for homes and offices, such 3D printed structures could be erected and dismantled in a fraction of the time and cost requirements of conventional construction. Andrew Elias, group CEO of Dubai based Kele Contracting said: "This modern and new method of construction will provide a very attractive solution to construction companies who wish to extend their projects to remote areas where traditional construction techniques prove challenging. “I believe that the Saudi market in particular is among those with the most potential for this method of construction, due to the types and size of its developments, as well as the country’s landscape," he said.

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3d printed office

“This modern and new method of construction will provide a very attractive solution to construction companies who wish to extend their projects to remote areas where traditional construction techniques prove challenging.” Andrew Elias, group CEO of Dubai based Kele Contracting

Meanwhile, Autodesk has released a new open software platform for 3D printing called ‘Spark,’ which will make it more reliable yet simpler to print 3D models and easier to control how that model is actually printed. Along with this Autodesk will also be releasing its first 3D printer to serve as a reference implementation for ‘Spark’— demonstrating the power and potential of this new platform that promises to set a new benchmark for the 3D printing user experience. 'Spark' will be open and freely licensable to hardware manufacturers and others who are interested. In addition, the complete design of the new Autodesk 3D printer will be made publicly available to allow for further development and experimentation. The printer will be able to use a broad range of materials, made by Autodesk and by other manufacturers, with the potential of exploring new materials to be used as well. Both ‘Spark’ and the new 3D printer will be available later this year.l

2015 Summer Edition

smart technology

Etisalat to launch first Internet of Things application platform in MENA Of all the technology trends that are taking place right now, perhaps the biggest one is the Internet of Things; it’s the one that’s going to give us the most disruption as well as the most opportunity over the next five years. This is a huge and fundamental shift. When we start making things intelligent, it’s going to be a major engine for creating new products and new services

recent study by Accenture has found that organisations will soon be creating a new wave of transformative digital services driven by the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and shifting consumer expectations. The report, titled “The Era of Living Services”, predicts a new era of highly sophisticated ‘living services’ that can learn and tailor themselves in real-time to meet the changing needs of consumers, workers, patients and citizens. Etisalat Group has announced that it will launch the MENA region’s first IoT application development and device management platform. Partnering with Etisalat, the French digital security company, Oberthur Technologies (OT), and the USbased computer software company PTC’s ThingWorx, will build and manage the application platform. The new service platform will be designed to enable customers to develop and deploy IoT solutions for the growing machine-tomachine (M2M) market, estimated to be worth billions of dollars. The number of M2M connections is set to increase rapidly over the next decade, rising from 5 billion last year to 50bn in 2024. “As the world becomes smarter, we need to develop the platforms that enables that digital transformation,” says Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Digital Services Officer, Etisalat Group. IoT and M2M solutions refer to ICT applications and technologies that allow

2015 Summer Edition

devices and sensors to communicate directly with other systems and devices over wireless and wired networks. “Etisalat believes that IoT is essential for regional development and has made a commitment to build the best-in-class IoT capabilities to offer to the market. We have earlier launched M2M control centre in 2013 [the first in the region] and now we are following with [an] IoT application platform. IoT application development platforms will help drive our IoT strategy and build the many innovative services that we are working to bring to market and we are looking forward to bring value to our prospective customers,” adds Al Shamsi. Etisalat announced the launch of the first interactive touch screen ‘Smart Service’ machine to sell new activated prepaid SIM cards for the first time in the UAE. The automated innovative machine will enable customers to buy SIM cards within minutes with an inbuilt ability to verify the Emirates ID. For now, prepaid SIM cards will be available to customers. The first machine will be located at its office at Al Kifaf in Dubai. Before the end of the year, there are plans to add 20 machines across UAE in Etisalat business centres, airports and malls.l

“As the world becomes smarter, we need to develop the platforms that enables that digital transformation,” says Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Digital Services Officer, Etisalat Group

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facebook internet plane

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… internet access for all? About two years ago Facebook launched Internet.org, a not-for-profit organization that has set itself the target of providing Internet access to 60% of the world, about 4 billion people, that were without a connection. Since then thanks to the project at least a billion are able to receive basic internet access today. To further the reach of the Internet across the remotest locations of the world Facebook has announced two major project milestones

he company has introduced “Aquila”, a highflying, long-endurance plane that will bring basic Internet access to the developing world. A working model of the plane is now ready for testing. The thin, V-shaped plane has the wingspan of a Boeing 737. But even fully loaded down with communications gear, Aquila only weighs between 880 to 1,000 lbs — less than the weight of a small car. “When deployed, it will be able to circle a remote region for up to 90 days, beaming connectivity down to people from an altitude of 60,000 to 90,000 feet,” Facebook said in a blog post. This means the planes will be flying at an altitude above commercial aircraft, and even above the weather. In this region, free space optical communications are possible This is how it will work: The system will have lasers on the ground that can locate and receive data from a dome-shaped optical head, located on the bottom of the plane flying in the air. This is basically like shooting a laser at a dime-sized target that is more than 10 miles away. The plane will first hone in on the general location of the

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laser on the ground, proceeding to target it further and lock onto the location so that it can start beaming down the Internet. Because the plane requires a connection with the lasers on the ground though, you might experience a slower connection when it’s raining or cloudy. Other planes in the air will similarly connect with each other and to the ground stations. Test flights for the fullscale model should begin later this year. Smaller-scale test flights were conducted earlier this year in the UK. The planes are built from two layers of lightweight carbon fiber material that sandwich a layer of foam. They are intended to stay afloat for three months at a time — presently the record for an aircraft staying afloat is two weeks — power will be provided by the outside shell which will be entirely covered in solar panels. During the day, when they are fully charged, the planes will fly at an altitude of 90,000 feet. But at night, in order to conserve power, they’ll float down to about 60,000 feet, going back up again the following day. This ensures a constant connection to the Internet, because they do not need to come down to be charged. The other milestone achieved is the development of an ultra modern laser system. Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the speed and accuracy of how these lasers work. In lab-tests the lasers can deliver data at tens of gigabits per second, which is 10 times faster than the lasers presently developed in the industry. l

2015 Summer Edition

transport TRANSPORT

2015 Summer Edition

FUTURECITIESME.COM

future cars

safer, smarter, and sensitIVE to your needs Cars of the future will be radically different from the automobiles of today, and so will the whole driving experience Intelligent Vehicles Fuel efficient, zero emission vehicles will use high tech electronics to assist drivers in a wide variety of ways. Vehicles will communicate with each other, with the road and with traffic signals. Autos and trucks of the future will use vision enhancement devices to help you navigate through bad weather and warn you of a possible collision with a pedestrian or animal. They will also let you know if you are getting drowsy or straying from your lane. Accident Free Driving Obstacle detection, collision avoidance and intersection warning systems are being tested right now by governments and automobile manufacturers. Using radio signals, sensors and cameras, future vehicles will help avoid accidents by examining the environment in real time and notifying the driver of potential problems. Pedestrian and animal warning systems could use infraredor other detection technologies to identify large animals approaching the roadway, and alert drivers by activating flashers on warning signs. These systems may also activate in-vehicle warning devices. AUTos That Talk and Listen While you are driving, your vehicles will communicate with the cars and trucks around you. Your future car will notify you when trucks are merging into your lane or motorcycles are in your blind spot. Smart intersections will sense vehicles from all directions and alert you of a possible collision. Vision Enhancement In-vehicle Vision Enhancement Systems will improve visibility for night driving by responding to inadequate lighting, fog, drifting snow, or other inclement weather conditions USER INTERFACE Cars of the future will do a better job of keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Voice recognition will provide a hands free way of accessing your on board computer and navigation system. And your onboard computer may do more than talk back. HAPTIC OR HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACES Haptic technology emulates tactile human behavior, since while driving people are more likely to pay attention to tactile cues than visual cues. With haptic interfaces, a computer could receive or convey information through touch, pressure, force or vibration. For example, sensors embedded in the exterior of a car could feel if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veering too close to another vehicle. That message could be relayed to the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat, which could alert the driver to the danger with a tap on the shoulder. Connected Cars Using GPS, cameras and sensors, vehicle-to-vehicle communication could help avoid accidents. For example, a vehicle in an accident could warn approaching traffic to slow down. Blind spots could be eliminated. Communicating cars could also improve traffic flow by taking the best routes or by telling you when you are driving like a tourist.l

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2015 Summer Edition

transport

Volvo Bus corp launches public transport of the future

Steve Hedouin, Vice President Volvo Bus Corporation Middle East and Africa

Volvo Buses is helping to launch the public transport of the future as it introduces a concept electric bus as part of the public transport system in Gothenburg, Sweden. A leading manufacturer of buses and coaches, the Swedish company has revealed that the pioneering concept vehicle may have a future in the Middle East as it gears up for series production of all-electric buses in 2017

s countries across the Middle East continue to look towards developing their public transport systems, the new fully electrically driven buses may be the most efficient solution. The concept bus is silent and emission-free and runs on electricity generated by renewable energy. It runs on batteries that are quickly recharged with renewable electricity at the terminal stops, one of which features an indoor terminal. An indoor terminal is made possible by the fact that the buses are silent and emission-free. The buses on the Gothenburg route, which began operation about a month ago are equipped with on-board Wi-Fi and phone charging facilities. “The Volvo Group aims to be the world leader in sustainable transport solutions and already offers a range of advanced models designed to minimise their environmental impact,” says Steve Hedouin, Vice President Volvo Bus Corporation Middle East and Africa. “When it comes to infrastructure development, the countries of the Middle East are among the most forward-thinking and proactive. They are leaders when it comes to introducing the latest, state-ofthe-art public transport systems, so we are actively looking at opportunities to bring models such as this electric bus to the region in the future.” While Volvo Buses already markets a range of electrified buses, including the Volvo 7900 Hybrid, which has been a major commercial success with more than 2000 units sold, and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid, this first completely electrically driven bus is currently a concept vehicle. 10.7 metres long it can carry up to 86 passengers while the centrally positioned driver’s seat contributes to the high passenger capacity. Energy consumption of the electric bus is about 80 per cent lower than that of corresponding diesel buses. With the Middle East’s population continuing to grow extensively over recent decades, coupled with an increasing

2015 Summer Edition

realisation that sustainability is key for the future, the energy efficient public transport systems will be of particular interest around the region. According to some reports, investment in public transportation in the Middle East over the next 10-15 years is expected to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars and Volvo Buses believes that cutting-edge models such as the new electric bus offer the ideal solution. Traffic with electric buses on route 55 in Gothenburg is a result of ElectriCity. This is a cooperative venture between the research fraternity, industry and city planners, for the purpose of developing, demonstrating and evaluating next-generation sustainable public transport. Among the participants are Volvo Group, Chalmers, the Swedish Energy Agency, Region Västra Götaland, Västtrafik, Keolis, the Municipality of Gothenburg, Göteborg Energi, Lindholmen Science Park and Johannesburg Science Park.l

“The Volvo Group aims to be the world leader in sustainable transport solutions and already offers a range of advanced models designed to minimise their environmental impact”

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Health & Community

TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD: THE united nations 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT On August 1, 2015, the United Nations concluded its negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda. Member States agreed a framework for 17 universal sustainable development goals, which will be adopted by Heads of State at a summit in September. The new Agenda builds on the Millennium Development Goals and seeks to complete what these did not achieve, particularly in reaching the most vulnerable

n its scope, however, the announced framework goes far beyond the Millenium Development Goals. Alongside continuing development priorities such as poverty eradication, health, education and food security and nutrition, it sets out a wide range of economic, social and environmental objectives. It also promises more peaceful and inclusive societies. It also, crucially, defines means of implementation. Reflecting the integrated approach that has been decided upon, there are deep interconnections and many crosscutting elements across the new goals and targets. Sustainable Development Goals Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to achieving this Agenda and utilizing it to the full to transform our world for the better by 2030.â&#x20AC;? promote sustainable agriculture. Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

2015 Summer Edition

Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries. Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to achieving this Agenda and utilizing it to the full to transform our world for the better by 2030."l

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expat employment

DUBAI MOST SEARCHED FOR DESTINATION BY US JOB SEEKERS Dubai, London, Paris and Singapore are top choices for US expats

esearch by Aetna International one of the world’s leading health benefits providers, has discovered that US citizens are becoming more diverse when searching for jobs abroad with Dubai leapfrogging London as the top destination. Since January 2013, Dubai has been the most sought-after location amongst US citizens who are considering employment abroad. This moves Europe’s primary financial centre, London, to second-place after being the top of the wishlist since 2006. Aetna International looked at Google Trends data for the world’s 40 largest countries and their capitals since 2006. Caroline Pain, marketing director Aetna International, comments, “Compared with 2006, US citizens appear to be considering a far broader range of countries than ever before when it comes to working abroad. Dubai has now overtaken London as the most popular city for Americans looking for jobs overseas. It’s also interesting to see Paris becoming the third most-searched global city, pushing Singapore down the table.” The remainder of the top ten most searched capital cities since January 2006 form a mix of old Europe – Rome, Geneva and Amsterdam – plus Cape Town in South Africa, Mexico City, and Ottawa in Canada.

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The remainder of the top ten most searched capital cities since January 2006 form a mix of old Europe – Rome, Geneva and Amsterdam – plus Cape Town in South Africa, Mexico City, and Ottawa in Canada. Pain continues, “Like everyone else around the world, it would appear US residents think about job prospects along with their New Year’s resolutions. Our research analysis discovered two noticeable trends year-overyear – a peak in January, and in the middle of the year, with searches trailing off toward the end of the year.” Recently the Financial Times reported that the trend in US residents choosing to ‘expatriate’ has consistently risen since 2008 with the number reaching a record 3415 in 2014. Aetna International’s research did highlight the job search market experiencing a decline in 2011 but, since 2013, the overall trend shows a relatively steady level of interest in expat working.l

2015 Summer Edition

Health & Community

DR. ALAA K. ASHMAWY Dean and Professor of Civil Engineering, AUD Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University M.S. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University B.S. in Civil Engineering, Alexandria University (Distinction with Honors) - See more at: http://www.aud.edu/about_aud/en/page/1771/alaaashmawy#sthash.x1s8dpVa.dpuf Dr. Alaa Ashmawy joined AUD in 2006 as Dean of Engineering. Prior to his appointment at AUD, he had been a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa. His expertise is in geotechnical Engineering, with interests in numerical modeling of foundations and earth structures, environmental geotechnics, and soil dynamics & earthquake Engineering. Dr. Ashmawy’s experience includes Engineering consulting for a number of companies in the US, and a visiting professorship at the Universidád de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Florida (USA) and an ABET Program Evaluator.

AUD School of Engineering fostering next generation of innovators in construction Future Cities speaks with Dr. Alaa K. Ashmawy, AUD’s Dean of the School of Engineering, about construction programs offered by the school. How can the mscm program help inspire the next generation of innovators within Construction? The Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) offered by the American University in Dubai (AUD) targets professionals looking to advance their skills and develop additional knowledge and techniques in the delivery of constructed facilities. The program is the first accredited program of its kind in the region to focus specifically on construction engineering and construction management. The program goes beyond traditional project management, with coursework tailored to address cutting-edge technical skills required for professional

2015 Summer Edition

success in today’s construction industry. For example, our estimating, scheduling, and equipment and operations courses are complemented by broader subjects in financial management and construction law. A number of technical electives permit students to tailor the program to their area of interest, such as geotechnical construction, oil and gas, and megaprojects. Our students are required to complete a capstone project in collaboration with industrial partners, both local and international. The thesis track allows students to expand their options and contribute with innovations in the field. This is particularly attractive for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies. Our courses are offered in the evenings, giving students the opportunity to study while working full-time to advance their career. As it is our desire for students to apply all concepts learned throughout the program to ongoing projects in the workplace, class projects are structured to address real problems on real projects. This is meant to provide practical benefit for students and companies alike. The capstone project is also practically oriented, and is intended to promote innovation in the field, benefit companies, and add value to the profession. This synergistic formula benefits the employer and the employee by encouraging innovation on real ongoing projects.

“As the world becomes smarter, we need to develop the platforms that enable that digital transformation.”

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Health & Community

What role does education play in building sustainable cities? In terms of teaching and education, the offerings in the UAE can compete with any comparable programs worldwide. As the UAE and the Gulf construction markets continue to promote the concepts of sustainable cities and smart cities, more training and professional education is required to further develop the professional workforce. The marketplace will demand more training opportunities and more professionallyoriented graduate degree qualifications to fill in the talent gap. Graduate programs such as the MSCM are continually evolving to address this need. Our focus as educators is to expose our students to innovative technologies in building construction and sustainability. Topics such as energy efficiency, waste management, and integrated transportation and communication networks are critical elements in the making of sustainable cities. Therefore, students need to be well prepared not only in terms of technical knowledge in these fields, but also in terms of how they contribute and interact to the development of sustainable cities. How can the regions architects and engineers work closer with undergraduates and graduates within AUD? How can potential students learn and interact directly with these leaders and learn from their experiences? AUD has been committed to building lasting relations with the industry, to provide students with the best opportunities available. We maintain close relations with top leaders in both industry and academia, with the goal of providing students with practical perspectives and state-of-the-art technologies prior to graduation. We organize workshops, seminars and conferences on latest trends and techniques as part of these ongoing

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partnerships. Over the past three years, we organized international conferences on structural health monitoring, innovative technologies in deep foundations, and recent advances in pavement design and construction. Our physical facilities and labs are equipped to the highest industry standards, and our computer labs are equipped with the latest software tools. In addition, companies throughout Dubai and the UAE, such as Amana Steel, Arabtec, and Arcadis, are collaborating with us to advance the education of their employees. As companies increasingly recognize the need for investing in and developing their professional workforce, employees avail from opportunities to advance their professional careers through graduate-level education. Joint Company-University sponsorship of architects and engineers has been a common feature in our program. We have also been providing working professionals with additional merit-based

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u abu dhabi university

scholarships to reduce tuition by up to 50 per cent. We have also partnered with numerous companies to expose our students to professional practices through a hallmark field experience program. Our students work during their junior/ senior year under the supervision of engineers on a broad range of projects at companies such as Parsons, Halcrow, Fugro, CCC, and many other leading industry partners. This makes our graduates highly sought after, with AUD ranking among the top universities in the Middle East. In the latest QS Rankings for the Arab Region in 2015, we placed among the top ten universities in terms of employer reputation, international faculty, and international students. What is the best advice for someone who wanted to join the construction community? The construction community is very diverse and there are many different paths towards employment in the construction industry. The primary path is through the core business operation of construction firms: building and project delivery. In order to enter this field, fundamental background education is necessary. Engineers, architects, and interior designers with Baccalaureate degrees receive the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute within the core

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business processes, so the next step is to gain experience and to gain further education in construction specifics. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketplace is competitive, and to excel, practical experience must be complemented by further education at the post-graduate level. In fact, the Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree is bound to become the first professional degree in engineering, according to the recommendations of the American Society of Civil Engineers. There is no better place in the world to gain experience in construction than the UAE and the dynamic MENA region construction markets, with a wealth and diversity of projects and mega-projects underway and on plan for the foreseeable future.l

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Health & Community

Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Dubai: A model for future hospitals in the Middle East New 150-bed facility brings together the latest technology and patient-centered management to provide excellent healthcare services for the Middle East region latest technology for the first time in the region. Design Optimization To maximize the potential of the new Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Digital Hospital, specifically the Radiology department, the equipment planning team worked closely with HMG’s design team to explore options to optimize the layout as well as the patient flow. Over 30 recommendations were considered before HMG finalized the design.

r. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group (HMG) a leading private healthcare provider in the Middle East, has recently commissioned a state-of-the-art flagship 150-bed, 175,000 square foot, digital hospital in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). The ‘digital hospital’ concept will employ the next generation of equipment for diagnosis and treatment, and making digital administration and patient management central to its operations. The hospital has also been designed to bring the latest innovations to benefit the patient experience from admission through discharge and subsequent follow-ups. The new hospital will not only complement the existing outpatient clinic in DHCC, but provide an integrated care solution in a way that maximizes the potential of the new technologies. Seamless connectivity with the Group’s other facilities will also provide timely access to clinical expertise and a competitive range of treatment options across the entire patient care pathway. HMG’s technology partner in the venture is GE Healthcare. GE’s local team will leverage its global resources to provide solutions that include a comprehensive suite of diagnostic imaging products and systems. In a number of areas, GE will introduce its

2015 Summer Edition

Equipment Selection To ensure the new hospital would be competitive with other local private operators, a number of equipment options were considered, which took into account market analyses to establish the optimum technology mix aligned with the planned clinical services. The resulting specification included the latest CT and Cath Lab systems from GE’s Discovery, Optima and OEC ranges, as well as cutting-edge wide-bore MR, Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound solutions, all designed to offer a high level of flexibility and image quality combined with low dose technology to benefit patients where possible. Beyond medical imaging, the specification also included latest vital signs monitors and perinatal IT systems. IT Integration The effective management of administrative and clinical data while interconnecting multiple HMG clinical sites presented a further but achievable challenge. A comprehensive suite of GE Centricity 360 Healthcare IT applications provided the solution for various hospital departments, including Cardiology, Radiology and

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u Dubai healthcare city

Pediatrics, by integrating Diagnostic Imaging, Ultrasound and Life Care Support equipment with HMG’s Health Information System (HIS). Patient Experience One of the most challenging tasks was to design a Radiology department that enhanced the patient experience. The answer was to take a completely new look at existing evidence-based solution and integrate it with interactive technology and natural materials to create a relaxing and calming environment for the patient. In the case of the MRI and CT suites, patients are able to benefit from a further enhanced audiovisual experience selected and managed by the patients themselves. Designed to accommodate the specific requirements of male and female adults and children, a range of 11 ‘themes’ can be selected by the patient on an iPad before they enter the exam room. Each exam room also includes ‘organic’ walls, preserved in their natural state to provide a lasting visual experience. During each an exam, the patient can experience images on a large screen mounted in the ceiling along with lighting and music designed to put the patient at ease. As an extra personalization, patients can select music from their own media library. A further enhancement to the overall experience in the MR and CT facilities is the “virtual operator window system”. A multiple camera system provides a multi-view patient visual management system replacing the traditional window between the exam room and the technician control room. The benefits of such a system include a perceived improvement in patient privacy and multiple visual angles for better patient management during an exam. Results/Benefits Thanks to the extensive range of equipment installed, the overall HMG facility (comprising the existing outpatient clinic and

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the new in-patient hospital) is well-suited to provide comprehensive healthcare services to all segments of the community. Outpatients can now be referred quickly and efficiently to the hospital for emergency or ongoing care without referral to another operator. The exacting standards required by HMG have been the guiding force behind this ambitious project. The Group’s mission to provide the highest standard of medical care while improving the quality-of-life of the people it serves, has meant that the most advanced medical technology has been implemented throughout the hospital. Indeed, some of the systems are among the most advanced in the world and the region. From a hospital management perspective, the hospital now has the potential to benefit from: Improved workflow and productivity Improved imaging quality Best-practice knowledge sharing An evidence-based approach to the patient experience Improved staff satisfaction “As a leading provider of medical healthcare in the region, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group is proud to operate this cuttingedge Digital Hospital that is home to some of the most innovative digital technology and comprehensive patient centered solutions available in the world. Our technology partner, GE, has once again demonstrated their commitment to supporting us in our ongoing endeavors to offer superior healthcare services to the community,” said Nasser Al Huqbani, President & CEO, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group.l

2015 Summer Edition

Food & Agriculture

Smart Mobile Apps lead to more responsible food consumption By Sunil Thakur

Imagine if every time you ordered a pizza, you opened the box, removed four or five grease-dripping slices loaded with meat, vegetables, mushrooms, the works... and simply tossed them in the trash.

ost of us believe that food is simply too good to waste. But most of us also end up doing just that. And there are numbers to prove it. Last year the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation estimated that about 1.3 billion tons of food a year were lost or wasted, based on findings of the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology. Most of the waste comes from within the home. Earlier, a YouGov survey found that 78 per cent of people surveyed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia admitted to throwing away food each week to make room for new groceries. In Dubai, food waste makes up 55 per cent of the waste produced by households. Because the Middle East imports most of its food products, and with extreme climatic conditions food storage and spoilage is a problem that is more acute in the region than elsewhere in the world. As hunger continues to be a serious global challenge, food is the most-wasted resource. Too often, edible food is thrown away, just due to a lack of knowing who to give it to, or donation regulations. All the elements of the social chain deserve some of the credit for this waste — from farmers to grocers to people like you and me letting our leftovers cross expiry dates and grow mold in the fridge.

2015 Summer Edition

Now a bunch of smart people are harnessing smart mobile technology to cut down on the amount of food that ends up in the dumpster — and get more of it to people in need. A number of innovative youngsters and in various parts of the world have come up with novel ways in which mobiles can be used to avoid food wastage by facilitating easy communication and coordination between individuals, restaurants, farms, groceries, and truckers. Matching Donors With Recipients Waste No Food is a nonprofit founded by Kiran Sridhar, a 12th grader in the San Francisco Bay Area, to create an online marketplace to reduce the vast amount of food that’s wasted daily by farms, restaurants, and grocery stores. Using the app, that food can then be claimed by nearby food pantries, homeless shelters, and other qualified charities. Numerous other apps are acting the middleman with the same purpose. Feeding Forward (also in the Bay Area), allows volunteers to register to help deliver the food from the donor to the recipient and so does Zero Percent in Chicago. Trucking Against Hunger “When a delivery gets rejected, it’s a whole lot easier to find a dumpster than a food bank – especially in the middle of night hundreds of miles from home.” The issue described on the Food Cowboy website prompted produce trucker Richard Gordon to come up with his solution, an app that allows truck drivers to quickly report what they have, find a charity that’s nearby or on their route, and if not a farm or compost site, so at least the food won’t end up in the landfill. They also provide the paperwork for tax benefits. Food Cowboy is now also working with retailers to manage food donations, as in the category above.

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u smart mobile apps

Individual Donations The AmpleHarvest.org Campaign has an app to help anyone with a surplus – be it a gardener with too many tomatoes or someone who spotted a great sale on canned goods –connect with local pantries who may need what they have. Offering an even more personal service, the Leftover Swap app facilitates person-to-person giveaways of meal leftovers or unwanted food items – the smartphone equivalent of the old school cafeteria “up for grabs” yell while holding up a Twinkie or a sandwich in a baggie. Instagram Apps Although the practice is regularly mocked, two apps provide reasons to encourage posting food pictures on the Internet. Feedie (“Share food. Literally.”) makes a donation to school children in South Africa for every meal photo from participating restaurants nationwide that are shared on Instagram. The app is sponsored by the nonprofit Lunchbox Fund and has spokes-chefs like Jamie Oliver, Mario Batali, and Peter Tempelhoff, and the app in combination with donations has so far shared more than 12 million meals. FoodShareFilter is an Instagram filter with the motto, “If you are going to share your food, share it for real,” with proceeds from the app ($1.16 for Android, $.99 iPhone) donated to Manos Unidas, a hunger charity in El Salvador. The model depends on social sharing to get traction, so the filter applies a frame with the motto, website URL, and hashtag #FoodShareFilter to users’ food photos. You Get a Deal, Someone Hungry Gets a Meal The TangoTab app offers free deals on food and drink at restaurants (say, a free appetizer, or 50% off drinks) while donating a meal for every deal a consumer uses, so diners can help feed others when feeding themselves. By donating through local hunger-related charities it has fed over 830,000 hungry people. The company was started in Dallas in 2012 by Andre Angel, and is active in a limited number of markets including Dallas, Fort Worth, New York, Hoboken, Chicago, Oklahoma City, and Los Angeles. Restaurants working with TangoTab pay a fee when customers redeem their deals.

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Save Food From the Bin Slightly past fresh baked goods that are still perfectly edible are sometimes offered in a basket or in bags in some corner of the local bakery, but PareUp is a way for New Yorkers to reduce waste by finding and buying those unexpired foods at a deep discount before they get thrown away. For the participating food retailers, these offerings (also including end-of-day hot buffets, salad bars, and yesterday’s wrapped sandwiches) can’t be donated to pantries either due to food safety regulations, or else because they aren’t a large enough amount to qualify for pickup. PareUp was launched in August 2014 by Margaret Tung, Jason Chen, and Anuj Jhunjhunwala. The app is free, but it takes a small fee from each transaction. They have plans to expand to a dozen more cities this year. With smart phone penetration among the highest in the world, the UAE is in a uniquely advantageous position to deploy apps to avoid food wastage and benefit the less fortunate members of society. The technology and infrastructure are already in place. What is lacking is social awareness. All it will now take is some smart cooperation between good Samaritans and corporations to stem the tide of this colossal and unnecessary waste throughout the Middle East. So the next time you pick up your smart phone to order pizza, think about what else you can do with it - for somebody else’s hungry stomach other than your own.l

2015 Summer Edition

Food & Agriculture

3D-printed ‘smart cap’ uses electronics to sense spoiled food It might not be long before consumers can just hit “print” to create an electronic circuit or wireless sensor in the comfort of their homes

C Berkeley engineers have created a ‘smart cap’ using 3D-printed plastic with embedded electronics to wirelessly monitor the freshness of milk. UC Berkeley engineers, in collaboration with colleagues at Taiwan’s National Chiao Tung University, are expanding the already impressive portfolio of 3D printing technology to include electrical components, such as resistors, inductors, capacitors and integrated wireless electrical sensing systems. They have put the new technology to the test by printing a wireless “smart cap” for a milk carton that detected signs of spoilage using embedded sensors. The findings are published this July in a new open-access journal in the Nature Publishing Group called Microsystems & Nanoengineering. Major advances over the past 10 years have enabled the creation of a wide array of 3D-printed products, including prosthetics, medical implants, toys, vehicle parts, building materials and even food. What had been missing from the repertoire until now was the ability to produce sensitive electronic components. “Our paper describes the first demonstration of 3D printing for working basic electrical components, as well as a working wireless sensor,” said senior author Liwei Lin, a professor of mechanical engineering and

“This 3D-printing technology could eventually make electronic circuits cheap enough to be added to packaging to provide food safety alerts for consumers.” co-director of the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center. “One day, people may simply download 3D-printing files from the Internet with customized shapes and colors and print out useful devices at home.” UC Berkeley engineers created a range of 3D-printed electrical components, including an electrical resistor, inductor, capacitor and an integrated inductor-capacitor system (the penny is used for scale). The foreground shows the various shapes that can be created with the 3D printer, including a model of Sather Tower, the word ‘Cal,’

2015 Summer Edition

and the acronym ‘BSAC’ for Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center. Polymers are attractive materials in the world of 3D printing because their flexibility allows them to be formed into a variety of shapes. However, such materials are poor conductors of electricity, and thus bad candidates for electronic devices. To get around this, the researchers started off by building a system using polymers and wax. They would then remove the wax, leaving hollow tubes into which liquid metal – in their experiments they used silver – was injected and then cured. The shape and design of the metal determined the function of different electrical components. For instance, thin wires acted as resistors, and flat plates were made into capacitors. But the question remained: Do the pieces of metal actually do anything useful? To answer that, the researchers integrated the electronic components into a plastic milk carton cap to monitor signs of spoilage. The “smart cap” was fitted with a capacitor and an inductor to form a resonant circuit. A quick flip of the carton allowed a bit of milk to get trapped in the cap’s capacitor gap, and the entire carton was then left unopened at room temperature (about 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) for 36 hours. The circuit could detect the changes in electrical signals that accompany increased levels of bacteria. The researchers periodically monitored the changes with a wireless radiofrequency probe at the start of the experiment and every 12 hours thereafter, up to 36 hours. The property of milk changes gradually as it degrades, leading to variations in its electrical characteristics. Those changes were detected wirelessly using the smart cap, which found that

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the peak vibration frequency of the room-temperature milk dropped by 4.3 per cent after 36 hours. In comparison, a carton of milk kept in refrigeration at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit saw a relatively minor 0.12 percent shift in frequency over the same time period. Researchers used this 3D printer at the CITRIS Invention Lab at UC Berkeley to create an electronic ‘smart cap’ that could monitor milk wirelessly. “This 3D-printing technology could eventually make electronic circuits cheap enough to be added to packaging to provide food safety alerts for consumers,” said Lin. “You could imagine a scenario where you can use your cellphone to check the freshness of food while it’s still on the store shelves.” As 3D printers become cheaper and better, the options for electronics will expand, said Lin, though he does not think people will be printing out their own smartphones or computers anytime soon. “That would be very difficult because of the extremely small size of modern electronics,” he said. “It might also not be practical in terms of price since current integrated circuits are made by batch fabrication to keep costs low. Instead, I see 3D-printed microelectronic devices as very promising for systems that would benefit from customization.” Lin said his lab is working on developing this technology for health applications, such as implantable devices with embedded transducers that can monitor blood pressure, muscle strain and drug concentrations. The co-lead authors of the study are UC Berkeley research specialist Chen Yang and visiting Ph.D. student Sung-Yueh Wu, both working in Lin’s lab. Wu is also a student of study co-author Wensyang Hsu, a professor of mechanical engineering at National Chiao Tung University.l

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2015 Summer Edition

New & Current Projects in GCC Contractor: Dutch Foundation Company L.L.C (Abu Dhabi) Tender Categories: Prestige Buildings Tender Products: High-rise Towers

Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Dubai

nProject Number: WPR739-U Project Name: Hampton by Hilton Hotel Project Territory: Dubai Client: Name: Wasl Asset Management Group (Dubai) City: Dubai Postal/Zip Code: 23073 Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-4) 398 6666 Fax: (+971-4) 398 8111 eMail: info@wasl.ae Website: http://www.wasl.ae Description: Construction of a Hotel comprising (420) rooms. Period: 2017 Status: New Tender Remarks: The Hampton by Hilton Hotel will be located at Al Qusais 1 near Dubai International Terminal 2 and Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority. It is poised to be the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest in the world. Submission of bids for the main construction contract is currently in progress. An award is expected in September 2015. Hilton Worldwide has signed an agreement with Wasl Hospitality & Leisure to establish this hotel. Design Consultant: Design Centre Engineering Consultants (Dubai) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor: Stromek Emirates Foundations L.L.C (Dubai) Tender Categories: Construction & Contracting Hotels Tender Products: Hotel Construction nProject Number: WPR047-U Project Name: Park View Tower Project Shams Abu Dhabi Territory: Abu Dhabi Client: Name: Reyaza Real Estate Investment (Abu Dhabi) City: Abu Dhabi Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-2) 446 4701 / 056 1872251 eMail: info@avauae.ae Description: Construction of a residential building comprising of 3 basement levels, a ground floor and 36 additional floors. Budget: 55000000 Period: 2017 Status: New Tender Remarks: This project is located on Plot No.RS-3-C27 at Shams Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi. Local Avantgarde Architects is acting as the main consultant on this scheme. Bid evaluation is currently underway for the main contract. An award is expected in August 2015. Site leveling and excavation works are in progress. Main Consultant: Avantgarde Architects Engineers (Abu Dhabi) Foundations, Enabling & Piling

2015 Summer Edition

nProject Number: WPR740-U Project Name: Park View Saadiyat Island Project Territory: Abu Dhabi Client: Name: Bloom Properties (Abu Dhabi) Address: Al Nahyan Commercial Bldg. No. 10, Al Nahyan Camp Area, Delma Street City: Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code: 28928 Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-2) 643 1122 Fax: (+971-2) 643 1144 eMail: info@bloom.co.ae Website: http://www.bloom.co.ae Description: Construction of a mixed-use Park View, which offers (234) residential units and (188) hotel apartments ranging from studios to 2-bd room apartments and a wide variety of retail, amenities and facilities. Budget: 200000000 Period: 2017 Status: New Tender Remarks: This project will be located at Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The development also comprise a range of commercial and leisure facilities including retail outlets, restaurants, an infinity edge pool 30-metre above ground, a gym and a fitness centre. Rotana Hotel Management Company will operate the hotel. Local MZ & Partners Consultancy is acting as the consultants for the scheme. The project is currently under design stage. Main Consultant: MZ Architects (Abu Dhabi) Tender Categories: Construction & Contracting Hotels Leisure & Entertainment Tender Products: Hotel Construction Mixed-use Developments Residential Buildings Retail Developments nProject Number: WPR080-Q Project Name: Marina Mix 11 Mixed-use Tower Project - Lusail District Territory: Qatar Client: Name: Real Estate Services Group (Qatar) City: Doha Country: Qatar Phone: (+974) 4458 3388 Fax: (+974) 4458 3377 eMail: info@rsgqatar.com Website: http://www.rsgqatar.com

Al Maryah Central in abu dhbai

Description: Construction of Marina Mix 11, a 5-star hotel and residential building comprising 2 basement levels, a ground floor, 2 podium levels, 36 additional floors and a services floor. Budget: 300000000 Period: 2017 Status: Current Project Remarks: This project is located at Lusal City in Qatar. Local Al Bandary Engineering Trading & Contracting has been awarded the main contract on this scheme. Enabling work are currently in progress. Client Contact Person: Ghais Nazha (Project Director). Design Consultant: EHAF Consulting Engineers (Qatar) Project Manager: Hill International Middle East Ltd. (Qatar) Main Contractor: Al Bandary Engineering Trading & Contracting (Qatar) Tender Categories: Hotels Prestige Buildings Tender Products: High-rise Towers Hotel Construction nProject Number: MPP2933-U Project Name: Al Maryah Central Project Territory: Abu Dhabi Client: Name: Gulf Related (Abu Dhabi) Address: Al Sila Tower, 25th Floor, Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island City: Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code: 27522 Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-2) 671 6060 Fax: (+971-2) 694 2705 eMail: inquiries@gulfrelated.com Website: http://www.gulfrelated.com Description: Construction of a fivestorey shopping mall comprising two department stores and (500) other retail outlets, over (90) restaurants together with food and beverage outlets and basement parking. Budget: 1500000000 Period: 2018 Status: Current Project Remarks: Al Maryah Central Shopping Mall will be built at Al-Maryah Island (formerly known as Sowwah Island) in Abu Dhabi and cover an area of 170,000 square meters. The project is being implemented by local GR Sowwah Retail, which is a special purpose vehicle created by the client. The mall will have an entire floor offering family entertainment and a 20-screen cinema complex. The development, which is designed by US architecture firm Elkus Manfredi, will also house a 5-star hotel/ serviced apartment tower and another luxury residence tower. It is understood that contractors have submitted prequalification documents for the main construction package. MEP Consultant: WSP Middleeast Limited (Abu Dhabi) Design Consultant: Gensler Associates (Abu Dhabi) Structural Consultant: Thornton Tomasetti (Abu Dhabi) Project Manager AECOM Middle East (Abu Dhabi) Geo-Technical Consultant Langan International (USA) Civil Engineering Consultant WSP Middleeast Limited (Abu Dhabi) Cost Consultant Faithful & Gould (Abu Dhabi) Main Contractor: Brookfield Multiplex Constructions L.L.C (Abu

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Dhabi) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor(2) National Services & Contracting Company - NSCC (Abu Dhabi) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor: Bauer International (Abu Dhabi) Tender Categories: Construction & Contracting Hotels Leisure & Entertainment Tender Products: Hotel Construction Residential Buildings Retail Developments nProject Number: MPP2463-U Project Name: Mashreq Bank Headquarters Project - Burj Khalifa District Territory: Dubai Client: Name: Mashreq Bank (Dubai) Address: Near Al Ghurair Centre, Deira City: Dubai Postal/Zip Code: 1250 Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-4) 424 4444 Fax: (+971-4) 424 7314 Website: http://www.mashreqbank.com Description: Construction of new headquarters building comprising 4 basements, a ground floor, four levels of parking and (27) typical floors. Budget: 150000000 Status: Current Project Remarks: This project involves construction of a new headquarters building for Mashreq Bank in the Burj Khalifa district of Dubai. The tower shall be 151 meters tall, with a gross floor area of 39,000 square meters and built-up area of 72,000 square meters. Client has invited companies to express interest in the main construction contract. The tower has been designed by US-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. UK-based WSP is acting as the consultant````````Main Consultant: WSP Middle East (Dubai) Main Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (Abu Dhabi) MEP Consultant: Parsons Brinckerhoff Middle East (Dubai) Design Consultant: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (Abu Dhabi) Structural Consultant: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (Abu Dhabi) Quantity Surveyor: Currie & Brown (Dubai) MEP Consultant-2: WSP Middle East (Dubai) Civil Engineering Consultant Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (Abu Dhabi) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor: Al Ghurair Arabian Foundations Engineering (Dubai) Tender Categories: Prestige Buildings Tender Products: Commercial Buildings High-rise Towers nProject Number: 77/2013-O/7 Project Name: Element Muscat Hotel Project Territory: Oman Client: Name: Oman Tourism Development Company S.A.O.C (Omran) Address: Bldg. No. 3203, Way Number 3341, Al Khuwair City: Muscat PC 130 Postal/Zip Code: 479 Country: Oman Phone: (+968) 2439 1100 Fax: (+968) 2439 1112 eMail: info@omran.om Website: http://www.omran.om Description: Construction of a Hotel comprising (100) rooms. Budget: 30000000 Status: Current Project Remarks: Tender No. 77/2013. Tender for Construction of: Element Muscat Hotel. Grade - International & Excellent Grade Contractors. Tender Sale Start Date 9/12/2013. Tender Sale Close Date 23/12/2013. Tender documents can be obtained from: Omran, Chairman of the

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Mashreq Bank Headquarters in Burj Khalifa

Main Tender Committee, P.O. Box 991, P.C. 130, Al Athaiba, Building number 3203, Way number 3341, Block number 233, Al Khuwair, Oman, Tel: 00968-24391111, Fax: 00968-24391112, EMail: info@omran.om Main Consultant: COWI & Partners LLC (Oman) MEP Consultant: COWI & Partners LLC (Oman) Design Consultant: HKS Architects (USA) Interior Design Consultant: P49 Deesign & Associates Ltd. (Thailand) Landscaping Consultant LMS International (Dubai) Tender Categories: Construction & Contracting Hotels Tender Products: Hotel Construction nProject Number: WPR463-U Project Name: Dubai Creek Harbour Residences Project Territory: Dubai Client: Name: Emaar Properties PJSC (Dubai) Address: Emaar Business Park, Bldg. No. 3, Near Interchange No. 5, Shaikh Zayed Road City: Dubai Postal/Zip Code: 9440 Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-4) 367 3333 Fax: (+971-4) 367 3000 eMail: customercare@emaar.ae Website: http://www.emaar.com Description: Construction of six residential towers, each comprising between 40-50 floors. Status: New Tender Remarks: This project will be located in the multi-billion-dollar Dubai Creek Harbor at The Lagoons, located alongside Dubai Creek and adjacent to Ras Al Khor. It is being implemented in joint venture with local Dubai Holding, a global investment holding company. Two residential towers comprising 40 floors each (Tower 1 North and Tower 1 South) will be launched on November 01, 2014. The main contract as well as MEP contract is expected to be awarded before the end of 2014. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2015. Design Consultant: Atkins & Partners Overseas (Dubai) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor: International Foundation Group L.L.C (Dubai) Tender Categories: Prestige Buildings Tender Products: High-rise Towers Residential Buildings nProject Number: WPR133-U Project Name: Vida Residence Project The Hills Territory: Dubai Client: Name: Emaar Properties PJSC (Dubai) Address: Emaar Business Park, Bldg. No. 3, Near Interchange No. 5, Shaikh Zayed Road

City: Dubai Postal/Zip Code: 9440 Country: United Arab Emirates Phone: (+971-4) 367 3333 Fax: (+971-4) 367 3000 eMail: customercare@emaar.ae Website: http://www.emaar.com Description: Construction of (2 Nos.) buildings comprising (12-15) floors offering (136) serviced apartments. Budget: 120000000 Period: 2016 Status: Current Project Remarks: This project involves the construction of Vida Residence at The Hills in Dubai. Vida serviced apartments residents will be able to enjoy Vida hotel amenities as well as The Hills common facilities such as barbecue deck and yoga lawn. Residents will have access to a number of swimming pools, indicating an adults pool, a separate lap pool for exercise, a smaller pool where children can play safely and a Jacuzzi. Local Design & Architecture Bureau (DAR Consult) is acting as the main consultant. Project completion is anticipated by the second half of 2016. Main Consultant: Design & Architecture Bureau - DAR (Dubai) Design Consultant: Design & Architecture Bureau - DAR (Dubai) Infrastructure Consultant Parsons International Ltd. (Dubai) Main Contractor: Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) - Dubai Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor(2) Dutch Foundation Company L.L.C (Dubai) Infrastructure Works Contractor: Eagle Electromechanical Company (Dubai) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor: International Foundation Group L.L.C (Dubai) Tender Categories: Construction & Contracting Hotels Tender Products: Hotel Construction

Courtesy: MiddleEastTenders.com Tel: +9712-6348495 Email : sales@MiddleEastTenders.com

2015 Summer Edition

Top 25 Tenders in GCC Project Name

Description

Client

Country

Consultant

Contractor

Budget (USD)

Status

Carson - The Drive at AKOYA

Construction of three residential towers, each comprising a ground floor, 3 podium levels and (30) floors.

Damac Properties (Dubai)

UAE

Al Wasl Al Jadeed Consultants (Dubai)

N/A

200000000

New Project

Al Okar Residential Tower Project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lusail

Construction of a residential building comprising a basement level, a ground floor, a mezzanine floor and (30) additional floors.

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (Qatar)

Qatar

MZ & Partners Architectural & Engineering Consultancy (Qatar)

N/A

60000000

New Project

Jabal Omar Hotel Towers Project - Phase 5

Construction of (6 Nos.) 3-5-star hotel towers comprising 6 podium levels and (19) additional floors.

Jabal Omar Development Company (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

EHAF Consulting Engineers (Saudi Arabia)

N/A

500000000

New Project

Atrium Tower Project Jumeirah Village Circle

Construction of a residential tower comprising a ground floor, 5 podiums for car parking and 64 floors of residence offering a mix of studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments.

Dubai Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (Trakhees)

UAE

Architecture & Planning Group (Dubai)

Construction & Reconstruction Engineering Company (Dubai)

80000000

Current Project

Neighborhood Retail Center Project

Construction of a neighborhood retail center comprising (23) units offering 48,500 square feet of lease area, in addition to the supermarket and three anchor restaurants.

First Bahrain Real Estate Development Company (Bahrain)

Bahrain

Sanad Engineering (Bahrain)

Almoayyed Contracting Group (Bahrain)

30000000

Current Project

Dar Al Zain Residential Development Project - Phase 5

Development of a residential scheme involving construction of (21) villas, including several facilities for residents such as separate swimming pools and gymnasiums for men and women, a football field, tennis court, child care zone, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park, an entertainment center, multi-use cinema hall, mini market and a coffee shop.

Zain Property Development (Oman)

Oman

D&A Interior Design (Oman)

Abjar Trading & Contracting Company (Oman)

15000000

Current Project

Gulf Hotel Project Business Bay

Construction of a Hotel offering (240) rooms, including three fine dining restaurants, a variety of function halls and meeting facilities, a spa and fitness center along with other top class amenities and substantial car parking.

Gulf Hotels Group (Bahrain) w

UAE

Godwin Austen Johnson Architects (GAJ) - Dubai

N/A

135000000

New Project

Wyndham Garden Doha Hotel Project

Construction of a fourstar hotel comprising (153) rooms offering flexible meeting space, as well as a fitness center and pool facilities.

Al Siddiqi Holding (Qatar)

Qatar

RMJM (Dubai)

N/A

50000000

New Project

Flow-lines & Source Well Construction Project Minagish Oil Field

Construction of flowlines and a source well in an oil field.

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)

Kuwait

N/A

Mushrif Trading & Contracting Company (Kuwait)

31000000

Current Project

Solar Enhanced Oil Recovery Plant Project Amal Oil Field

Construction of a solar enhanced oil recovery (EOR) plant with capacity of 1,021 MW.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

Oman

N/A

GlassPoint Solar (USA)

600000000

Current Project

Photovoltaic Plants Project

Construction of two photovoltaic plants with capacity of 50MW each.

New & Renewable Energy Authority (Egypt)

Egypt

N/A

Building Energy S.p.A (Italy)

200000000

Current Project

2015 Summer Edition

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ADVERT

Top 25 Tenders in GCC Project Name

Description

Client

Country

Consultant

Contractor

Budget (USD)

Status

Bitumen Production Unit Project - Sohar Port

Construction of a major bitumen production unit featuring a pair of reactors with capacity of 516 tons per day each.

Oman Refineries & Petroleum Industries Company (ORPIC)

Oman

Porner Ingenieurgesellschaft GmbH (Austria)

N/A

New Project

Re-melt Facility Project

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a re-melt facility with production capacity of 120,000 tons a year of of aluminum slabs.

GARMCO (Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill Company) – Bahrain

Bahrain

N/A

Fives FCB (France)

55000000

Current Project

Industrial Gas Complex Project

Construction of an industrial gas complex, which will supply 75,000 metric tons per day (20,000 oxygen and 55,000 nitrogen) to a 400,000 barrels per day refinery.

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)

Saudi Arabia

N/A

ACWA (Arabian Company for Water & Power Development) Saudi Arabia

2000000000

Current Project

Taif International Airport Project

Design, construction and operation of an International Airport.

General Authority of Civil Aviation - GACA (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

N/A

New Project

Runway Expansion Project Fujairah International Airport

Carrying out major expansion of a runway at an International Airport.

Department of Civil Aviation (Fujairah)

UAE

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)

N/A

New Project

Al-Sabah New Hospital Expansion Project

Construction of a hospital comprising two basement levels, a ground floor and seven additional floors offering a total of 600 beds.

Ministry of Health (Kuwait)

Kuwait

Hill International Middle East Ltd. (Kuwait)

Al Sager General Trading & Contracting Company (Kuwait)

N/A

Current Project

Century Hospital Project – Baniyas

Construction of a hospital comprising a basement level, a ground floor and 2 additional floors.

Ahalia Group (Abu Dhabi)

UAE

Society Technology House Consultant (Abu Dhabi)

N/A

30000000

New Project

Dahran Square Mixed-use Development Project

Development of a mixeduse scheme comprising two residential towers, a 11-storey commercial tower and shopping mall.

Tanami Arabia Company Ltd. (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

Projacs International (Saudi Arabia)

N/A

120000000

New Project

Economic Zone Development Project - Ras Bufontas

Development of an Economic Zone, which will focus on logistics and advanced technologies

Manateq (Qatar)

Qatar

N/A

Sacyr S.A (Spain)

Biltmore Bateen Marina Hotel Project

Construction of a 5-star hotel comprising (218) rooms.

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East & Africa (Dubai)

UAE

Architectural Consulting Group ACG (Abu Dhabi)

Ali & Sons Contracting Company L.L.C (Abu Dhabi)

150000000

Current Project

Sohar Drug Rehabilitation Center Project

Construction of a drug rehabilitation center comprising four units for rehabilitation of patients with capacity of (40) beds, a multipurpose hall with playground forwinterior sports and training workshops, meeting halls, prayer rooms, computer halls, a medical clinic, a building for security, a building for administration, external green spaces to provide comfort and external sports courts.

Ministry of Health (Oman)w

Oman

Semac Engineering Consultancy (Oman)

N/A

2500000

New Project

Bazyan IPP

Construction of a simple-cycle Independent Power Project (IPP) with capacity of 750MW.

Qaiwan Group (Iraq)

Iraq

N/A

Enka (Turkey)

N/A

Current Project

West Beqaa Caza Water Supply Networks Project

Construction of water supply networks spanning 150 kilometers.

Council for Development & Reconstruction (Lebanon)

Lebanon

Bureau Techniqwwvue Pour Le Developpement (Lebanon)

Al Jihad for Commerce & Marketing (Lebanon)

N/A

Current Project

Shindagha Bridge Project

Design and construction of a new 2.7-kilometerlong bridge as well as road infrastructure, including a series of interchanges

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) – Dubai

UAE

Parsons International Ltd. (Dubai)

N/A

New Project

2015 Summer Edition

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Godwin Austen Johnson Architects

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