Future Cities ME — Volume 2 Issue 01

Volume 2 - NUMBER 01

CONTENTS The Sections

q&A Roundtable Winning combination of Global Standards and Local Expertise p.08

smart technologies Unlocking the Power of Drone Technology in Construction p.52

transport Winners of Build Earth Live Hyperloop Competition Announced p.64

GOVERNMENT Sheikh Mohammed launches new strategy to shape UAE’s future p.24

construction

food & agriculture Coffee facing Extinction? p.68

Dubai breaks another world record!

Gulf Asia Contracting (GAC) and RP Group continue the tradition... p.28

real estate Traditional architecture for future of building of sustainability p.40

sustainability Traditional architecture for future of building of sustainability p.46

health & communities UAE residents show promise for a greener community p.72

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CONTENTS PAGE Volume 2 NUMBER 01

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Volume 1 - NUMBER 12

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Editor’s note

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he construction industry in the region has seen a significant slow down and shake up in recent months. One company that has bucked this trend is the National Engineering Bureau or NEB as it is better known. Future Cities visited their offices recently to speak with CEO Jamil Jadallah and interact with some other key members of the staff to find out the reasons behind their company’s continued success.

The UAE Government has made a pioneering effort to define and execute its roadmap for the future and ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change is clear indication of its intent and actions. In the Construction section Hilson Moran shows us how their focus on sustainable urban planning is creating better work, living and play environments in the Middle East region. We also take a look at how the Internet of Things is creating better building management systems that are responsive and cost efficient.

From this issue we have started a Real Estate section to bring you more focussed information on the real estate industry of the region. The inaugural section features an intersesting article by Zander Muego of Thomas Adamson property consultants, who explains the pitfalls of choosing cost over value during construction.

One of the primary reasons cities in the region have some of the highest per capita carbon footprints in the world are their intense cooling requirements coupled with cheap fuel. In our Sustainability section we show how traditional concepts for facades and fenstrations can help buildings stay cooler while consuming lower levels of energy.

Globing warming may be considered a myth by some - including the President elect of the USA - but coffee farmers certainly dont thinnk so as shrinking cultivable lands and warmer climates are affecting the quantity and quality of the bean’s yields. So in a few years your mornings may not be same without your favourite cuppa.

The good news is that UAE residents are becoming more aware and environmentally concious of their contributions to climate change and how they can do their bit to save the environment.

Read about it in our Health & Communities section.

As the climate cools and the New Year arrives, it is time we all resolved to do our bit to fight climate change in 2017 and Future Cities will be right here to support and guide you in making your city a better place for you to live, work and play.

FUTURE CITIES ME . VOLUME 2 Number 01

Publisher & CEO Liam Williams liam@flipflopmedia.ae Managing Director Harry Norman harry@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9062 Editorial editor sunil Thakur sunil@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 Katy Elliot info@flipflopmedia.ae

Advertising business development Director junaid rafique junaid@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9017 sales manager ben westwood ben@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9061 Design & Photography Head of Design Marlou Delaben design@flipflopmedia.ae +971 4 369 9063 circulation & Production Circulation & 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

Sunil Thakur

Editor

Registered at Fujairah Free Zone PO Box 26734 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 369 9063 Fax: +971 4 369 8989 www.flipflopmedia.ae

© Copyright 2016 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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NEB

winning combination of Global Standards and Local Expertise In an environment of construction slow downs and budget cuts the National Engineering Bureau (NEB) has a several highvalue, prestigious projects in hand. We speak with Jamil Jadallah, CEO of NEB to find out the reasons behind his company’s full order books and growing reputation in the construction industry.

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NEB

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NEB

NEB has a huge amount of on-going projects. What is the secret to your success?

Total Project Commitment resulting in Client Retention and successful multiple High Profile project handovers leading to an ever-expanding client base.

What is NEB’s approach when working with clients, and how does this differ from other consultants in the market?

While it is paramount to address all important client requirements (Quality, Time and Costs), NEB also takes pride in imparting innovative Design & Construction ideas and important practices of the current times (Sustainability & SMART solutions) to its clients by highlighting the the former's value addition to the projects and the community at large. Making every project an important and responsible assignment for NEB and highlighting to the client how the project shall become an integral part of the growth of the City/Community makes NEB stand out.

At NEB, the goal is always to provide complete solutions to the client. It is not only to design aesthetically and functionally impressive buildings at competitive costs.

Jamil jadallah, CEO of NEB

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What are the long term aspirations of NEB? With NEB one of the largest firms in the world, do you foresee consultancy partnerships with other global leaders (AECOM, ARUP, etc.) in the future?

Our focus shall be to continue and consolidate NEB's position as a leading consultancy of the country and the region with its uncompromising effort to provide the best solution for every project. It is a huge honour for NEB to be among the best and the largest within a region that has attracted the best and the largest consultancies of the world.

FUTURECITIESME.COM

special focus: jamil interview

How does being a UAE-based firm benefit with projects within the UAE? The knowledge and experience of local culture and regulations are very important for a consultant and NEB, with its abundant knowledge database in this regard, has been able to successfully integrate these aspects with creative design solutions for its clients.

Of course, international consultancies also bring with them interesting ideas and technologies to the UAE and this adds richness and texture to the projects.

Structures, Hotels, Residential Buildings and Schools. The NEB team also has considerable Urban Development project experience over the years both, in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East. NEB has designed a number of important Master Planned Urban Developments including The Sports City and One in Abu Dhabi with 2000 villas. We have presented a critically acclaimed Master Plan SMART City project locally.

NEB has also completed designs for several mega urban development projects in Africa, Middle East and Asia.

So, Yes, NEB is ready to continue to offer its best services for Master Planning and Urban Development projects.

NEB are seen as an approachable firm for the entire supply chain, why is collaboration important to the NEB team?

At NEB, the goal is always to provide complete solutions to the client; it is not only to design aesthetically and functionally impressive buildings at competitive costs.

NEB also gives complete solutions to the client by providing critical inputs so that projects are financially successful as well. To be able to meet this high goal, NEB is always involved in projects from the initial thought process of the client till beyond completion of construction and handover of the project.

NEB has been in the industry for over 30 years here, how has the industry changed? Does the more international nature of construction in Dubai benefit consultants?

The underlying core principles at NEB have remained constant, which are: To provide complete Value Added Services, Technological Innovations and a more sensitive approach to sustainability issues. These have made it more exciting and rewarding for us and the knowledge of international teams in this regard is highly valuable.

NEB is well known for its work with Skyscrapers, Hotels, Residences and Schools. Are large infrastructure projects something NEB can facilitate? Do NEB also look at master planning and urban development?

It is true that NEB has been famous for our wide variety of project types, especially true for Very Tall

FUTURECITIESME.COM

Short term real estate and selling off plan can damage the long term performance of projects, how can Dubai reduce this form of property development?

Short term goals used to be a major factor for a short period prior to the setbacks experienced over the world in 2008. The market has learnt from the setbacks and has matured considerably. Many measures introduced by the authorities and which are constantly updated have been a prime catalyst in the continued maturing of the market.

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NEB

What do you see as the most exciting introduction to Dubai's construction community?

The introduction of environmental responsibility and a move towards SMART programs at all levels are adding excitement and challenging.

What is the role of architectural firms in the region? Has this changed from being purely design focused?

As noted in my response to a question before, NEB has always been proud to be not just a design focused consultancy but to also provide value added services to their clients and projects which is reflected in all their major clients continuing to be with NEB since the beginning.

NEB, based in the UAE and being a leader in the UAE and the region, has a responsibility to continuously improve the living / working environment in the country.

What challenges does NEB face in the market?

Uncertainty of the global economy and continued effect of lower energy prices on the regional economies will pose biggest challenges to developmental projects of the region.

However, innovation and initiatives undertaken by the UAE Government should make the current market scenario quite exciting.

How important is sustainability and safety to NEB's designs?

These are two of the very vital aspects that NEB focuses on in their design. Sustainability is a very important aspect, the results of which will be felt by future generations. Safety issues have always been at the forefront of all of NEB designs and there has never been any compromise on this.

Uncertainty of the global economy and continued effect of lower energy prices on the regional economies will pose biggest challenges to developmental projects of the region.

If we could describe NEB in a sentence, what would it be?

Architectural and Engineering Consultancy offering complete project solutions, from identifying locations to handover of a project and beyond, to help clients achieve their feasibility goals.

For NEB, what is a future city?

As amply illustrated in our critically acclaimed SMART city project, the future city would integrate all the benefits that the digital and communications world can offer to make Life, Work and Play environments integrate with each other reducing the commute between each other thus making the community cleaner and safer. l

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In the era of digitalization no part of a company is left untouched and opportunities can be found everywhere. In transforming products into services, turning manual public sector processes into secure and automated e-services or increasing lead conversion through effective digital interfaces. Our digital offering guides you from your strategic choices all the way to

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CONSUMER

CITY

CITIZEN

ISSAM EZZEDDINE NEB

Designation: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN DIRECTOR with neb since November 2002

What does the NEB tag line “Building Together” mean to you?

To NEB family, the tag line “Building Together” is meant a signature that brings distinctions to people’s life which is the future of architecture and urbanism and this is what NEB is undertaking to achieve. “Building Together” is what people need and deserve for a better life.

In terms of design, what has been your most challenging project that you have encountered whilst with NEB and how did you overcome such challenges?

Design-build construction project is one of the prime challenges that I have experienced and enjoyed at the same time. The design period is compacted to a much shorter time and the technical fast track coordination task has been carried out heavily with all project stakeholders.

This type of project is called ALDB which is known as architect-lead design build. To overcome such a challenge, as a project director I had to program and manage the overall design process and the technical routes with all project parties. Furthermore, my critical responsibility in ALDB project type was to take full control over the coordination - particularly in minimizing the risk of over-budget raise.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? The future that NEB to be prepared for is the global challenges, the built environment factor and how to reach the extreme of creativity in design. The built environment will be the primary target. Architecture will be more collaborative as clients become more interested in thinking outside the building box. NEB need to collaborate more with experts from different fields. Furthermore, the hurdles between public and private spaces should melt away. The architecture will not be limited to the indoors, the client's perspective will come over in their demands and required deadlines, as well hard to reach satisfaction.

What does NEB mean to you?

NEB as one of the top consultancy firms in the Middle East and carries the greatest meaning, as it represents opportunity for building various experiences in Architecture, Engineering and urban planning. NEB, since its new management formation in 2001 has grown substantially from a regular consultancy firm serving clients, till the current time 2016 when NEB became the prime architecture and engineering institution in UAE and the MENA region.

What do you think the future trends will be, in terms of design, on projects in Dubai?

The future design in Dubai will be a complex business.

The Architects and Consultancy firms must have a visionary and artistic creativity. In addition, the future

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needs to have strong project management, control skills and new methods on how to deliver projects on time and as well meeting the client budget.

Architects are constantly looking at new innovations in design, new materials and new techniques, and most importantly creating workable and functional projects that keep users happy and healthy.

I envisage that some of the big changes expected in the future architecture mainly in Dubai/ UAE in 2017 are as follows: • • •

Merging the heritage design and cultural theme into contemporary design targeting to achieve sustainable projects.

Natural design: Increasingly using natural materials and colors that are commonly found in nature.

Integrate outdoor and indoor: Future projects cannot meet people’s satisfaction without building creativity in integrating the outdoor spaces into the indoor. This will be in terms of finishes, color schemes and furniture, as well as including lighting mergers between inside and outside.

What is the most innovative project you have worked on during your time at NEB? The landmark twin towers on Sheikh Zayed road named Business Central Towers, where I have saved the client 4.5 million dirhams by redesigning the crown of the towers without losing its beauty appearance. Also the BMU system to clean and maintain the façade was a grand challenge, where I had to invent the steel structure system and the BMU machine movement inside the tower crown. Add to that, the external lighting was also part of my cost-saving study and research targeting the good looking light image for the towers while minimizing the external lighting cost.

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NEB

Ahmed Salem

Designation: Principle Architect with neb since February 2007

What does the NEB tag line “Building Together” mean to you?

Building together is engaging different sectors of society to co-operate for a common goal; it is a level playing field on which everyone has a voice a chance to air his or her philosophical ideas and to be open to any criticisms. Building together is like a transit mixer it holds the concrete components together maintaining a degree of cohesiveness and consistency up until its reach the aimed destination.

In terms of design, what has been your most challenging project that you have encountered whilst with NEB and how you overcome such challenges?

I will not look at specific but rather at the general challenges. I most often encountered this of course from the private sector which tends to have high expectations in achieving their business agendas, where in many cases it met and even exceeded regulatory design guidelines.

As an architect you must be inventive and creative to satisfy both your client’s project needs and be in accordance with the authority's stringent regulations.

Further, you must know how to read your client’s minds and wants to be on the same page as you go along with the developmental stages and learn in which direction the projects are heading. Somewhere in your interaction with your clients you must have the proper skill to bridge the gap between your philosophical approach and their needs to seamlessly tie in, resolving differences. I in my many years of experience in design consulting I have developed a strong mindset in tackling various design issues whether its needs a critical thinking or a decisive stand, you must display a solid leadership to earn respect of your client and various actors in the construction fields.

What does NEB mean to you?

I may say NEB for the longest time is one of the trusted organizations in the construction communities here in MENA regions, and it delivers its commitments with strong and steadfast resolve and manages to sustain its reputable rapport with its valued clienteles, business leaders and to society at large. We defy the recent global economic challenges and depressions across the world and we grow with resilience as we confront these difficulties and stand with our workforce to move forward together. At NEB we go beyond the profitable ideals of business and commit ourselves to be responsive both to our loyal clientele and to the backbone of the company, the NEB workforce and to the society we served.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? The gauge of success of an organization is how well it relates to its workforce's ability to grow and move forward together with the company itself. Looking at the horizon the future of NEB is promising with sustainable growth and remarkably ability to overcome challenges brought about by the global economic slowdown.

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NEB

Moh Hiary

Designation: Principle Design Architect

Khalid Khan

Designation: Principle Design Architect

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NEB

Reza Hossein Shahsana

Designation: Head of Structural Department with neb since April 2004

What does the NEB tag line “ Building Together” mean to you?

The term “Building together” for me means not just building the concrete or steel structures but also building the technical and spiritual strength of all the participants involved in any particular project.

The completion of each project designwise or constructionwise, not only provides professional satisfaction but also boosts confidence in an individual’s technical strength.

In terms of design, what has been themost challenging project that you have encountered in your time with NEB and how did you overcome such challenges?

Designwise most of our projects were challenging but “Marina 101” has a lot of structural elements as it rises to almost 80 to 90 floors. Which were floated on transfer beams.

These key elements required, special attention and various approaches using different design theories.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? The future for NEB is glorious. As an organization it has the capacity to hold its Clients and Employees for over a decade and generates dedication and confidence among them.

What does NEB mean to you?

NEB is like a consortium of multinational and multilingual techno-crats, creating artifacts which are standing tall along the skyline of Dubai & other emirates.

Engr. Abdel Rahman Abukhashabeh Designation: MEP Manager with neb since December 2003

What does the NEB tag line “ Building Together” mean to you?

Great future with high living standards.

In terms of design, what has been the most challenging project that you have encountered whilst with NEB and how did you overcome such challenges?

Every stage of the project has challenging situations.

They have been overcome by our technical expertise, with their dedication under my supervision.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? NEB has a great leading future in construction industries with a great success at every stage.

What does NEB mean to you?

NEB is like a family to me.

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NEB

Ahmed Abdul Hameed Ahmed

Designation: Lead Design Architect with neb since January 2007

What does the NEB tag line “Building Together” mean to you?

Building together reflects the teamwork effect and the brotherhood atmosphere in NEB between the team members along with the relative departments involved in the project. This harmony insures delivering the project on time and with the highest level of coordination and quality.

Building together rule makes everyone involved in the project provide his best for solving his part as he is working on his or her own projects, this reflects positively back on the project's elements as well as project duration.

Building together reflects NEB’s relation with its clients by making all the wishes, expectations and dreams for their projects into achievable goals or challenges that will be met.

In terms of design, what has been the most challenging project that you have encountered with NEB and how did you overcome such challenges?

In the educational department every project is a challenge as its timeline is always limited by the opening date of the school. Respecting that timeline, the program initiated from the first day of the project, makes every milestone is a challenge.

The NEB educational department has managed to build more than 25 school buildings in just the past 8 years, and these to be added to the previous gold record of NEB’s educational projects.

Amal Ismail Designation: Head of Interior Design Department with neb since September 2006

What does the NEB tag line “ Building Together” mean to you?

Team work, hundreds of minds, countless Ideas.

In terms of design, what has been your most challenging project that you have encountered whilst with NEB and how did you overcome such challenges?

All school projects are challenging projects, due

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The most challenging project we had was an extension to be built with an area of 6000sqm in only 6 months, this where we needed to approach it with NEB’s Building Together style.

Building together was the key practice controlled the project and guaranteed the main achievement by opening the extension on time without any delay.

The challenge started when the client decided to build an extension at a running school in March to receive new students in September of the same year, he needed NEB confirmation about the possibility of the project so he can start the marketing and advertising of the school. NEB's reply was accepting the challenge and taking the responsibility of achieving that goal.

NEB played the main role and the secret of its usual success by advising the client for the most efficient design that can achieve his expectations within the allowed time frame.

The great awareness and understanding of the client vision and the relative authorities' requirements shortened the approval process time for the authorities in the design stage.

Designing the site mobilization and contractor circulation at an operated school was a high level puzzle which was easily solved by NEB’s expert teams for maintain the required safety for a primary school students respecting the site progress and construction speed for such a project.

All departments acceptance of the challenge and approaching it with the fact of building together allowed at the end to obtain all approvals, start the construction and obtain the authorities approval for operating the school without even single day delay from the planned program.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? NEB has already reserved its desired position between the elite of architectural consultants in UAE and Middle East, with the same spirit and confidence, NEB will achieve the same desired position among the world’s best consultants.

For the educational department, we believe we will raise NEB’s name to be the best in the UAE for educational projects that meet the client’s expectations about his or her projects by achieving the following facts: Elegant and unique architectural design.

Respecting the target required dates for the project’s success.

Meeting the expected project budget by controlling the design elements.

What does NEB mean to you?

The place where I can make my dreams come true.

to tight time frame, but with the support of our management and the motivation of my team, we are always able to meet deadlines.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? More prosperous , worldwide projects.

What does NEB mean to you?

Experience , encouragement & motivation .

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NEB

Helen Kinsella

Designation: Business Development and Marketing with neb since November 2015

What does the NEB tag line “Building Together” means to you?

To me, the NEB tag line of building together means more than just building and growing together as a company. Internally we do take steps to ensure that each department works together to produce a common outcome; through training, staff meetings, team building.

However, I feel the NEB tagline represents more. Today there is a duty of care that lies within everyone within this industry to consider the future generations and our current climate through green, sustainability and adaptable designs.

To me, the NEB tagline says that we, this generation right now, are Building Together for a better future for the generations to come.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? Looking back at the history of NEB and what it has overcome, NEB has the ability to adapt, learn and change; ultimately resulting in growth. Currently one of the largest Dubai based consultancy firms in the UAE, NEB has the foundation to expand in to other territories. Although we have offices in all 7 Emirates and Qatar, future plans are to move in to other markets. If NEB can continue to implement such qualities, then I see a bright and prosperous future here.

What does NEB mean to you?

Personally to me, NEB represents a place to grow and develop.

The opportunity to hone one’s skills and creativity is what NEB means to me. I am part of a great Business Development and Marketing Team, which allows me to use my imagination and creativity whilst still learning and growing as a professional.

Christian Vasquez

Designation: Business Development Executive / Project Architect with neb since 2012

What does the NEB tag line “ Building Together” mean to you?

The key to NEB’s success is that it builds relationships that go beyond one-time projects and constructs the projects along-side the clients on a consistent, ongoing basis.

Treating each project not just as a consultant but as a partner of the client. Every solution must be in response to the client’s programs and goals.

What do you think the future holds for NEB? As we continue to mature as a firm, I am seeing NEB conquering the world with its vast experience in producing top-of-the-line designs, towers, and skyscrapers in the Middle East.

What does NEB mean to you?

A contributor to the business success of our clients.

No other consultants does this better than us.

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NEB

AUDI SHOWROOM & WORKSHOP AL QUOZ, DUBAI

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DREAM TOWER DUBAI MARINA, DUBAI

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GOVERNMENT

new strategy launched to shape the future of UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the UAE Strategy for the Future, a comprehensive roadmap that will take the nation into the next era of development.

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government

"The UAE Strategy for the Future will serve the government in addressing any shifts in global trends efficiently, and in identifying the challenges and opportunities. This will be followedup with scientific planning to evaluate the future scenarios, and implementing appropriate policies and action plans."

T

"As a nation, we have always been forward-looking and planning for the future, which has been a key driver of our success. The UAE Strategy for the Future is our new approach to planning for the future by predicting, analysing and implementing highly effective action plans that accelerate development,"

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he new, long-term strategy will steer the nation’s transformational growth by identifying the needs and challenges of the future.

Ratified by the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, the UAE Strategy for the Future will be implemented in three phases – short, medium and long-term – each with clear benchmarks and performance indicators.

As part of the strategy, future prototypes for sectors including healthcare, education, social development and the environment will be developed and will form the basis for governmental policymaking.

The strategy also focuses on building national human competencies in all the key sectors, strengthening international partnerships, and developing specialised R&D labs that will evaluate future challenges and opportunities.

Under the new strategy, planning for the future will become a mandatory part of the operations of government departments.

Future scenario reports on key sectors will be published, which will serve as a benchmark for developing governmental plans and policies.

A number of new initiatives will be rolled out as part of the new strategy and every government department will have a director of the UAE Strategy for the Future, who is mandated with driving future planning.

According to reports this makes the UAE the first government in the world to have such a position within all its departments.

A dedicated educational institution will also be established for driving predictive analysis and future development models, with UAE delegations to visit leading international universities to learn about the best practices in future planning.

"As a nation, we have always been forward-looking and planning for the future, which has been a key driver of our success.

The UAE Strategy for the Future is our new approach to planning for the future by predicting, analysing and implementing highly effective action plans that accelerate development," said Sheikh Mohammed in comments published by WAM. He added: "The strategy serves as the referral point for governmental departments to adopt proactive future planning to usher in an even more prosperous tomorrow for our current and future generations. To achieve its goals, we must work together and share responsibilities. With our future planning model, we will serve as a model for the world.

"The citizens of the UAE are our most important resource in building our future. To nurture their skills, we will strengthen education and training initiatives."

"We need a new mindset that is focused on the future," he said as he pledged to personally monitor the government departments to evaluate their commitment to the new strategy.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, said the short-term vision would be until 2021 while the medium term strategy will focus on planning for 2021 and 2026 and long term beyond that.

"The UAE Strategy for the Future will serve the government in addressing any shifts in global trends efficiently, and in identifying the challenges and opportunities. This will be followedup with scientific planning to evaluate the future scenarios, and implementing appropriate policies and action plans," he added. l

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GOVERNMENT

UAE Ratifies Landmark Global Climate Agreement during the recent High-Level Event for the Entry into Force of the Paris Agreement in New York, the UAE became the first and only country in the GCC to ratify the Paris Agreement. Over 20 countries in total formally bound their governments to the historic agreement yesterday, raising hopes for its early entry into force, in 2016.

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n an unprecedented show of political will, more than 175 countries signed the agreement in April 2016. So far, 60 countries, representing just 48 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions have ratified the agreement. To enter into force, it must be ratified by at least 55 countries representing at least 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Commenting on the UAE’s ratification, Ida Tillisch, Director-General of the Emirates Wildlife SocietyWWF said: “We welcome the leadership shown by the UAE government in ratifying the Paris Agreement yesterday in New York. The UAE is the first country in the Middle East to take this step. We hope this inspires other countries in the region to follow suit as every effort must be made to ensure the Paris Agreement comes into force as soon as possible. While certain consequences of climate change are now irreversible, they are not unstoppable. Urgent and accelerated implementation of the Paris climate deal is necessary in order to prevent the worst impacts of climate change globally and locally.”

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Tanzeed Alam, Climate and Energy Director, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) stated: “This is an important milestone but it is just the start and we need to see all countries ramping up their level of ambition urgently because the current level of pledges are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5 degrees as required by the Paris Agreement.”

Alam continued: “Unabated climate change will result in substantial impacts on our food, energy and water supplies.

We want to see a strong ‘UAE National Climate Change Plan’ which includes ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as measures to adapt to these impacts.

In other words, the UAE’s global commitments need to be translated into local actions such as more renewable energy on the ground, energy-efficient buildings across the UAE and fuel efficient vehicles widely available.”

Alam further added: “We believe that the implementation of ambitious measures in the UAE to comply with the Paris Agreement will create new economic sectors, drive innovation and job creation, while diversifying the economy away from oil, all in alignment with UAE Vision 2021.” l

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GOVERNMENT

• The UAE is the only GCC country to have ratified the Paris Agreement.

• High hopes for global climate deal’s early entry into force before the end of the year – according to UN.

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Dubai breaks another World record! Gulf Asia Contracting and RP Group continue the tradition...

Future Cities ME sits down with Dr Ravi Pillai, chairman of RP Group to discuss this incredible achievement as well as future plans.

What were the challenges you faced when undertaking this massive task. What helped you overcome these challenges?

Yes, it was truly a massive task. First and foremost I have to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose vision for excellence has been the main impetus behind this achievement. Right from the time the idea of going for a Guinness World Record attempt was put forth to me, we have had a run through the pros and cons of this challenge. Our team has analysed each and every aspect of the project to its minutest detail to ensure its viability.

Of course, the challenges were manifold as it involved many people including the Guinness Team, the Owner, the Consultant, the Readymix supplier and most importantly our most dedicated and committed engineers and employees. The credit for overcoming all the challenges that we faced during this rare feat

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goes mainly to our strong team of professionals who have worked tirelessly 24x7 for many days. Incomparable coordination, flawless execution and meticulous planning and commitment from hundreds of people who had worked assiduously for breaking this record are to be specially noted.

How important is coordination and collaboration between the client, the staff and the authorities when undertaking such a huge task?

As in all major tasks, proper coordination and collaboration among the constituents was the key to our success in this attempt. Once we embarked on this task there was no second opinion on anything. Everyone worked in unison with the single aim of achieving the target ahead of schedule and we did it. It was truly an amazing experience and we were all spellbound watching the enthusiasm of our employees. We were lucky to have proper coordination from the client and we have no words to express our gratitude to the amount of support that the authorities

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had rendered us, especially the Dubai Municipality. Dubai Municipality had even posted our achievement in their social media sites, which is worth another award for the whole crew.

Dubai has quite a reputation for world records, do you think that the ambitious attitude of the emirate and its leaders helped GAC and RP? Needless to say, it was 100% the ambitious attitude of the Emirate of Dubai which made us think about undertaking this challenge in the first place. Dubai is known for its world records, and I don’t think there is any other country that holds over 370 Guinness World Records. Thanks to the progressive vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed

Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose emphasis on excellence in every field of activity in Dubai, is an unending source of inspiration for everyone.

GAC have won a number of high profile projects recently, with both Villa’s and Towers. What have the team learnt from this record breaking activity that can be transferred into your ongoing projects?

Since our inception in the year 2002 in UAE and subsequently spreading the operations into Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and India, Gulf Asia has been a strong presence in the construction industry delivering many prestigious projects. It has been a gradual growth based on trust and commitment. Over the years we have made a place of our own in the UAE with our professional way of functioning and execution, on par with international standards. Doubtlessly, this Guinness World Record win has been a real boost for all of us in realising a minor percentage of untapped potential in achieving even bigger targets. It definitely gives us the much-needed confidence in flawless execution and achieving our targets ahead of schedule.

Safety must have been an important consideration within the Contractors.

How do you go about ensuring the safety of your team on site?

GAC is OHSAS 18001:2007 certified and has completed over 400 Million Man Hours Without LTI, which is a major achievement for any contractor. We have a team of highly professional Safety Managers and a technical team, who have been associated with many major industrial projects in the past, taking care of all our projects. They work round the clock in ensuring safety at each step during

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Nothing can stop you if you put in your 100% efforts towards quality in execution and we never take any short cuts in achieving our targets.

We shall definitely explore new opportunities in showcasing our excellence before the world.

the execution of the projects.

We have a well-designed safety manual and system in place, which is strictly monitored and followed by everyone involved.

With over 80,000 employees in the Group, a risk free work environment is our prime concern.

With GAC being a high profile member of RP Group, do you have other ambitions to break furthers records?

The growth of an organisation depends purely on its vision and mission. At RP Group, new and innovative ideas are always welcomed and encouraged. As far as GAC is concerned our Guinness World Records win has certainly enhanced our credibility in the market as well as our confidence in further undertaking such challenges.

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RP Group are seen to ‘lead the future’ within the region. How important is it to the success of the Group that you have been here and helped GCC grow?

What insights have you learnt from this?

Certainly, we have made a niche for ourselves in the region within a short span of time. It is our pleasure to gratefully acknowledge the support of the visionary leaders of this great nation in providing us the wonderful opportunity. Over the years we have been associated with government agencies in executing many prestigious projects.

We have had the opportunity to be part of some of the landmark projects in GCC, especially in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. It is of course the unstinting support of the leaders of these nations in supporting and recognising quality work that has made us what we are today. Nothing can stop you if you put in your 100% efforts towards quality in execution and we never take any short cuts in achieving our targets.

With over $25 billion projects represented within RP Group, where do you see the exciting growth markets in the UAE? With the government of UAE giving importance to infrastructure and other developments in all the emirates, the real estate sector is booming. Recently, the rulers of UAE has envisioned a country which can survive the post oil era by giving more thrust to improving the other sectors of the industry. All these confident moves make the growth prospects of the country more progressive and prospective.

This new positive move brings in more opportunities for investors in various sectors of the economy. l

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Setting the benchmark for sustainable urban planning In a candid interview with Matthew Kitson, Regional Director for Hilson Moran we discover his company’s philosophy behind sustainable construction and use of technologies and systems like BIM and WELL in realizing urban spaces that are truly budget and environmentally friendly.

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Briefly describe the urban planning and sustainability consultancy services provided by Hilson Moran in the region? How do they differ in nature from the services you provide elsewhere?

Our approach to urban planning and sustainability is consistent across all of our offices, both in the Middle East and the UK. We see good urban planning as an essential part of city development and advocate a design approach with our consultants that embraces sustainable urbanism.

To this end we feel that any urban masterplan should deliver places for people to work, play and rest, centred on walkable transport orientated design.

Over recent years Hilson Moran has developed a number of framework design tools targeting sustainability in the urban environment and focus on design solutions for infrastructure and buildings.

What are the major projects you are currently executing from your Abu Dhabi and Doha offices?

Both our UAE and Qatar offices are busy with a number of high profile projects. We are involved in projects across a number of sectors including transport, commercial, education, retail, residential and sports. These projects include head quarter offices such as National Bank of Abu Dhabi and projects related to the 2022 World Cup, where we are working closely with our client partners, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Aspire Zone Foundation. These include World Cup Stadiums and Precincts. On all of these projects delivering sustainability is high on the design agenda accredited through the Estidama and GSAS sustainability rating systems.

What has been your experience utilizing or trying to utilize BIM systems in your Middle East projects?

There has been a lot written about the application of BIM in recent months and our practical experience on projects has been very positive. We had a steep learning curve on our first projects, some five back, to fully use BIM as a design platform. We feel that our knowledge applying BIM to our projects is now providing us with a good degree of design efficiency and improvements to programme timescales.

Practical examples of benefits can also be found during construction periods, with a significant reduction in variation orders. We are also using BIM on some of our projects for asset tagging, resulting in better efficiencies in facilities management and operation. We are now applying BIM to all of our projects and we see it as an essential tool in our design drawer.

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measuring, certifying and monitoring features that impact human health and well-being in the built environment, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. To learn more on this health and wellbeing assessment method visit www.wellcertified.com.

Currently, the WELL™ standard can be used to certify commercial and institutional projects and pilot programs are running for retail, multifamily residential, education, restaurant and commercial kitchen projects.

Our last issue carried discussions on the sick building syndrome particularly related to indoor air quality and its implications on health in the Middle East region. With your recent WELL certification, you could shed some unique insights on the subject.

What according you are basic systems needed in place to create healthier buildings?

Hilson Moran, is one of the first consultants to be awarded the WELL Accredited Professional™ (WELL AP) credential through the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI). The accreditation recognises professionals who are dedicated to supporting human health and well-being in the built environment, adding a new focus to design internationally.

The WELL AP credential is the new, leading credential signifying advanced knowledge of health and wellbeing in the built environment, and as a result its impact on design. It covers the principles, practices and application of the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL), which Hilson Moran applies to selected projects for its clients.

We spend much of our day in the office so it is important to work in an environment which is conducive to our health and wellbeing. WELL is an evidence and performance-based system for

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Briefly describe how intelligent buildings can help create more sustainable and healthy planned communities?

The challenge for the design community is to create quality buildings that have a degree of intelligence applied where appropriate. Quality buildings will provide healthy environments and places where people enjoy working and recreation.

The key factors for successful delivery is of course comfortable spaces. We are seeing more frequent application of sustainability frameworks such as LEED, Estidama and GSAS which is an important step towards creating quality buildings and communities.

I believe your local offices are completing a decade in the Middle East this year. How has been the journey so far and where do you see it going from here?

Hilson Moran’s success started almost 40 years ago with our first project in Saudi Arabia.

Since those early projects, we have set up two Middle East offices which for the last decade have allowed us to deliver projects for our Clients across UAE, Qatar and the GCC. Starting up a business in the Middle East is of course challenging, however the biggest advantage of operating in the Middle East is having the chance to be involved with some world class developments on a scale rarely found elsewhere.

This affords a number of benefits to our business such as attracting the best talent and continued motivation of all of our staff. It also gives excellent opportunities for our young talented engineers to improve their design skills whilst experiencing different cultures and living in different parts of the world. l

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ARCHITECTS I MASTER PLANNERS I DESIGNERS FUTURECITIESME.COM Bogaรงay Creek Master Plan - Antalya, Turkey

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powering the path to the top Jebel Jais is part of the Hajar mountain range in Ras Al Khaimah. It is the highest peak in the in the UAE and for centuries unreachable by most.

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uilding the road which will run up right to the 1,910 meter summit was almost impossible without FAMCO’s expertise and support who supplied a fleet of 50 VOLVO Construction Equipment and 33 VOLVO Trucks to carry more than 5.5 million cubic meters around the clock building the 36km mountain road. The rugged terrain, steep slopes and loose rocks were not a challenge to FAMCO’s capabilities or VOLVO’s engineering, this ensured that there were no major breakdowns during the entire project duration.

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IOT AND THE FUTURE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT The recent Honeywell customer roadshows have highlighted how IoT powers more efficient buildings and improves user experience while reducing operating costs. In the UAE alone the spend on the technologies will almost double by 2019 to $762 mln

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uilding operators are under increased pressure to make their facilities safer, more comfortable and more efficient, all while reducing operating costs, according to Honeywell a global leader in building automation software and smart building technologies.

In order to achieve this, building operators in the Middle East and around the world are turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) to help deliver these results. This was the message at Honeywell’s latest industry roadshow held in the UAE this week, with future stops in Turkey and Russia.

“Integrating building systems and connecting them with the people that use them creates data. What’s exciting is that data allows us to understand what’s happening right now, rather than when it’s too late and the building is experiencing downtime – a preventable scenario,” said Global Director of Innovation for Honeywell Building Solutions, Himanshu Khurana. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact the digital revolution is having in order to make buildings greener, safer and more productive, and

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“Integrating building systems and connecting them with the people that use them creates data. What’s exciting is that data allows us to understand what’s happening right now, rather than when it’s too late and the building is experiencing downtime – a preventable scenario,” says himanshu khurana, Global Director of Innovation for Honeywell Building Solutions to deliver lower operating costs, happier occupants and smarter buildings.”

In the UAE alone, total IoT market spend will almost double by 2019 to $762 million, up from $343 million in 2015, according to global market intelligence firm IDC. With the shift to software-based solutions hosted in the cloud, there is a wealth of new opportunities to improve building efficiencies as well as the experience of building users.

The Honeywell ‘smart building’ roadshows come shortly after the release of an update to Honeywell’s leading building management system, Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI), to support the region’s smart building and smart cities ambitions. EBI R500 leverages the connectivity of today’s buildings to help

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make them more strategic assets that are green, safe and productive. The new features help facility managers better streamline management and decisionmaking, promoting improved business efficiencies and providing greater control over operations. EBI R500 improves the region’s facility managers’ ability to turn building data into actionable insights to deliver real outcomes in real time. EBI also features a new mobile application that provides facility managers with greater situational awareness of building performance and operations, by informing them of equipment issues before system failures or disruptions to the organization’s operation occur. The mobile app also allows for remote access and management of building systems and data.

At the UAE roadshow, Honeywell’s Khurana discussed the company’s answer to market changes, and how technology is driving innovation and shaping business outcomes. He was joined by Paul Black, IDC research director, who spoke about how IoT will change the real estate sector in the Middle East. Pete Costa, vice president for Honeywell Building Solutions, High Growth Regions, also

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“IoT is rapidly changing the way in which Middle Eastern businesses operate and the benefits to be reaped are monumental.

IoT has the power to significantly alter the real estate market in the Middle East.

Those that grasp it and make use of the connectivity and the valuable data it provides will ultimately improve business efficiency, allow for greater control, enable faster decision making as well as ensuring better connected building occupants,” said paul black, IDC research director. spoke on the role of integrated technology in smart cities. Honeywell’s leading technology offer was also demonstrated at the event.

Black commented: “IoT is rapidly changing the way in which Middle Eastern businesses operate and the benefits to be reaped are monumental.

IoT has the power to significantly alter the real estate market in the Middle East. Those that grasp it and make use of the connectivity and the valuable data it provides will ultimately improve business efficiency, allow for greater control, enable faster decision making as well as ensuring better connected building occupants.”

Technology and apps are rapidly allowing building owners and facilities management to streamline operations by automating systems that flag up faults that may arise or when assets are coming to the end of their lifecycles. These technologies ensure that users stay connected to their buildings at all times. l

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real estate

False economies may be harming the UAE construction industry Zander Muego, director of UAE construction and property consultancy, Thomas & Adamson, explains the pitfalls of the common decision to choose cost over value

Crash aside, Dubai has seen huge economic success.

But now is the time to look ahead and assess the longterm consequences of the way in which we have become accustomed to doing business.

The Dubai market Dubai has changed dramatically over the last three decades, becoming a major business centre with a more dynamic and diversified economy. Dubai enjoys a strategic location and serves as the biggest re-exporting centre in the Middle East.

We ourselves have set up offices here, having identified the exceptional opportunity that the city offers both national and international companies. The perfect recipe for a successful economy right?

Crash aside, Dubai has seen huge economic success. But now is the time to look ahead and assess the long-term consequences of the way in which we have become accustomed to doing business. Put simply, using the lowest cost as the determining factor when procuring goods or services can create ‘false economies’ which can do more harm than good.

The problem Quality over quantity is a simple and well-understood concept, but it’s one that is difficult to reconcile with today’s price sensitive corporate environment. Dubai is an attractive place to do business; with low

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barriers to entry and significant business opportunities and in many industries this translates into a very competitive marketplace. The high levels of competition increasingly result in products and services becoming commoditised, putting a downward pressure on prices. But while it makes commercial sense to capitalise on competition and the related low costs, treating certain products and services as a commodity can often result in longer term issues and related costs that far outweigh the initial cost savings.

The construction industry is a great example of this. There are significant construction projects, both currently progressing and in the pipeline within the UAE. The size and scale of these can be significant in comparison to many other locations throughout the world. These

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real estate

The size and scale of these can be significant in comparison to many other locations throughout the world. These significant projects attract competition from both multinationals and established local businesses and competition is fierce.

Zander Muego, director of UAE construction and property consultancy, Thomas & Adamson

significant projects attract competition from both multinationals and established local businesses and competition is fierce.

In construction, like in many other industries, there are various tensions within the project objectives that need to be considered when developing the procurement strategy. Trade-offs are required to find the right balance between the various stakeholder objectives. As part of an international business I see different approaches across different regions and, in the UAE, cost considerations are often weighted far more significantly than other factors. But this focus on minimising initial capex is often misaligned with the wider objectives of the project stakeholders.

With commercial developers for example, there can be significant financial incentives to getting projects finished quickly, thus accelerating the income stream that comes from the completed asset. Conversely, delays can increase interest payments and impact commercial viability.

This can quickly offset the apparent capex savings that can be made from selecting contractors and suppliers with the lowest tender cost, but whom turn out to have insufficient capacity or resources to deliver on time or to the desired level of quality.

This is particularly relevant for complex projects in the UAE, where basing the final selection on price point alone will often result in:

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Project delays, as the tenderer struggles to mobilise subcontractors and procure long lead materials, usually due to a lack of cash flow and administrative delays in procuring bonds and guarantees Poor quality control, as less qualified and ultimately lower cost site management personnel are deployed to the project Demotivated site operatives, often as a result of being overworked or receiving delayed salary payments Unprofessional (or non-existent) HSE protocols, increasing the risk of injury (or worse) to those involved in the project, with knock-on effects to the project and developer’s reputation Increased installation and quality issues, resulting from all of the above and causing prolonged snagging and commissioning durations, ultimately delaying handover and impacting end-user satisfaction levels The long-term implications of these issues are conceptualised in the term Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), which is the cost of providing poor quality products or services. These costs can impact all levels of the supply chain, but have a particular impact on clients and end-users, who must to live with the issues over the long term – plus the resulting reputational damage.

Tangible Actions Determining procurement strategy and ultimately product or supplier choice

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The size and scale of these can be significant in comparison to many other locations throughout the world.

These significant projects attract competition from both multinationals and established local businesses and competition is fierce. needs to be based on a wide range of factors. How you weigh up the importance of these different factors will be based on your business’ priorities and strategy.

Businesses cannot lose sight of the importance of using the correct balance of criteria that fits the strategic direction of the business.

Selecting the lowest priced tender might initially appear to represent good value, but will this provide the most appropriate solution for your business? Have the long-term implications been factored into the evaluation process and are there whole life cost implications between different options that need to be considered?

We recently completed a very demanding project in the hospitality sector in Dubai, during which this very issue needed to be addressed. The project had exceptionally challenging time constraints but also had a very demanding budget. After a fast-track competitive tendering process, there were two clear front-runners to take on the main contractor role – one that had proposed a particularly competitive price and another that was more expensive yet significantly more experienced in delivering this specific type of project. Ultimately, in selecting the contractor, the likelihood of achieving the aggressive completion date together with track record of producing the desired quality was factored into the analysis

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and the more expensive contractor was awarded the project, with savings achieved in other areas of the project to offset the additional expenditure.

The result has been a successful project, completed quickly and to a high level of quality, with minimal snagging issues and an early launch of the venue.

This is just one of many examples Thomas & Adamson has of the benefits that come from taking a holistic view on vendor selection and related procurement strategy. While cost is almost always an important consideration, and in some cases is essential to project viability, it is also important to ensure the right level of technical competencies, product quality, personnel and service levels exist as part of the offer.

In summary Quality over quantity, or in this case cost, is an age old lesson that too many of us forget when making important procurement decisions. While a cost focus may support short-term financial viability of any given project, there can be significant wider implications that will ultimately impact the success of any investment in the long term.

Businesses must adapt their procurement strategy to reflect the complex business world that we live in, which in turn will help achieve sustainable, long term profitability rather than focusing purely on short-term profit. l

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Emaar Properties records 12% growth in first half of 2016 A diversified business model and iconic projects have helped one of uae’s largest developers achieve significantly better revenues in the first half of 2016.

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he half-year 2016 revenue is AED 7.257 billion ($ 1.976 billion), 11 per cent higher than the H1 2015 revenue of AED 6.520 billion ($ 1.775 billion).

Underlining the strength of its diversified business model, Emaar’s recurring revenues from its Malls & Retail and Hospitality & Leisure segments recorded an impressive AED 2.916 billion ($ 794 million), which is 40 per cent of the total H1 2016 revenue, and in line with the cumulative revenue from these businesses during H1 2015 at AED 2.900 billion ($ 790 million) despite the on-going development of The Address Downtown Dubai.

Cementing the success of its international expansion, revenues from Emaar’s global operations were AED 1.032 billion ($ 281 million) during H1 2016. The global operations now account for 14 per cent of the total revenue.

Emaar recorded total sales at AED 10.44 billion ($ 2.842 billion) during the first half of 2016 and now has a formidable backlog of AED 45.90 billion ($ 12.50 billion), to be recognised over the next 3 to 4 years, highlighting its fundamentals for long-term profitability.

Strong fundamentals Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the strong half-year results highlight the success of Emaar’s growth strategy to consolidate its position as the largest developer of iconic projects in Dubai

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with a sizeable sales backlog, and to build its recurring revenues.

“We are in one of the most exciting phases of our growth story having launched a brand-new icon for the city – The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour - and the imminent roll-out of Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai. We are scaling up our malls business with the launch of a Retail District in Dubai Creek Harbour and the expansion of The Dubai Mall. We are also strengthening our hospitality portfolio with 35 new hotels and serviced residences in the UAE and international markets.”

He added: “Our commitment is to create long-term value for our stakeholders, and in this, we are inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to challenge ourselves and push our boundaries. We will continue to explore opportunities to develop new land banks in Dubai through integrated developments that support the Dubai Plan 2021 and the preparations for Expo 2020.”

Positive Second-Quarter 2016 In the second-quarter (April to June) of 2016, Emaar sustained its growth trend with net profit at AED 1.270 billion (US$ 346 million), an increase of 8 per cent over the profit during same period in 2015 of AED 1.179 billion (US$ 321 million).

Revenue for Q2 2016 stands at AED 3.728 billion (US$ 1.015 billion), which is higher by 7 per cent compared to the Q2 2015 revenue of AED 3.496 billion (US$ 952 million). This was result of Emaar’s focus on on-scheduled construction progress and the achievement of new milestones that contributed to higher revenue recognition.

During Q2 2016, revenue from shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure businesses were AED 1.361 billion (US$ 371 million). International revenues in Q2 2016 were also healthy at AED 533 million (US$ 145

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“We are in one of the most exciting phases of our growth story having launched a brand-new icon for the city – The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour - and the imminent roll-out of Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai.

We are scaling up our malls business with the launch of a Retail District in Dubai Creek Harbour and the expansion of The Dubai Mall. We are also strengthening our hospitality portfolio with 35 new hotels and serviced residences in the UAE and international markets.”

million), up by 7 per cent compared to the Q1 2016 revenue from global operations at AED 499 million (US$ 136 million).

First choice for homes Emaar’s property business recorded positive growth during H1 2016 with revenue of AED 4.341 billion (US$ 1.182 billion), which is 20 per cent higher than the property business revenue during H1 2015 at AED 3.620 billion (US$ 986 million).

The total property sales for H1 2016 is at AED 10.44 billion (US$ 2.842 billion), an increase of 23 per cent over H1 2015 of which AED 8.854 billion (US$ 2.411 billion) of sales is in Dubai, 45 per cent higher than the property sales in Dubai during the first six months of 2015.

The Dubai sales were led by the launch of The Address Residences Dubai Opera & Il Primo in Downtown Dubai, premium Fairway Vistas & Sidra villas in Dubai Hills Estate, 52/42 prime waterfront development in Dubai Marina and Harbour Views at Dubai Creek Harbour. Demand for homes in Dubai Creek Harbour spiked with the launch of The Tower.

Growing recurring revenues Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls and retail business majority-owned by Emaar Properties, reported H1 2016 net profit of AED 987 million (US$ 269 million), 17 per cent higher than the net profit of AED 845 million (US$ 230 million) during the

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same period last year.

Revenue for H1 2016 from the malls business is AED 1.618 billion (US$ 441 million), 11 per cent higher than the H1 2015 revenue of AED 1.452 billion (US$ 395 million).

The hospitality & leisure, commercial leasing and entertainment businesses recorded H1 2016 revenue of AED 1.298 billion (US$ 353 million).

Occupancy levels at The Address Hotels + Resorts were 86 per cent, higher than the industry average. The Address Boulevard Dubai, a brand new addition to the portfolio will open soon.

Emaar launched the first mid-market brand hotel – the Rove Downtown Dubai – this year with nine more Rove hotels scheduled to open in central locations by 2020.

Value for stakeholders Emaar has been upgraded to Baa3 long-term issuer rating by Moody’s Investor Service with ‘stable’ outlook highlighting its financial strength and ability to create sustained shareholder value through its on-going projects and assured recurring revenues from its malls and hospitality businesses.

Demonstrating strong value creation, Emaar and Emaar Malls together distributed over AED 2.375 billion (US$ 647 million) in dividends this year. Emaar has handed over more than 40,600 homes already, and has over 14,000 residential units in development in the UAE. With total assets valued at over AED 165.7 billion (US$ 45.1 billion), Emaar has a land bank of 196 million sq m in UAE and international markets that will support its long-term growth. l

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SUSTAINABILITY

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE FOR FUTURE OF BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY Middle East Façades Summit speakers debate smart solutions for cooling buildings in the region’s sub-tropical climate.

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ustainability and construction experts have said that a new approach to traditional architecture designs, intelligent products, climate-tailored building designs, and 3D technology are optimal solutions for tackling the UAE’s cooling bill.

The carbon footprint of the Emirates was one of the core topics discussed at the Middle East Façades Summit, which took place on the first day of Windows, Doors and Façades Event at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Scott Coombes, the Summit’s Chair and Director at AESG, a local company specialising in the reduction of the ecological footprint of the built environment, believes that the most effective way of ensuring building sustainability is by combining traditional Islamic and Arabic architecture with innovative tech solutions tailored to UAE’s sub-tropical climate.

He said: “Cooling buildings in a climate where outdoor summer temperatures often exceed 45 degrees Celsius is very energy-consuming work and since air conditioning typically accounts for around 60-70% of

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a building’s total annual energy use, we should be avoiding large curtain walled facades in favor of more traditional envelopes with smaller windows and good shading devices.”

Located in the Bastakiya and Shindagah area of Dubai, traditional flagship examples of climate-orientated constructions feature several wind towers, which passively cool the building in hot summer months with thick external walls offering good thermal mass and small windows, shaded with mashrabiyas to prevent excessive solar gain into the building.

Coombes added: “We have to look back to take a step forward and we already have several projects featuring a modern take on high performance envelopes and effectively keeping buildings cool from the harsh external conditions. Some of our projects that have adopted such techniques include a number of the buildings in Masdar City such as the IRENA Headquarters.

I expect the growth of 3D printing technologies will introduce some great new ways to create innovative shading structures on façades and mashrabiyas.”

Minimising sun exposure is a particularly pressing issue in high-rise buildings, where extensive solar insolation combined with soaring temperatures, humidity levels and extensive usage of glazed façades cause greenhouse effect, resulting in higher energy consumption in comparison to the rest of the world.

Coombes added: “I think there is a common misconception that cost is an issue that results in compromises in sustainability – I strongly disagree with this because a good effective sustainable design should result in less materials and improved construction processes.”

Speaking ahead of his participation in the panel discussion themed ‘Sustainability and Energy Efficiency – Advancing Green Building Principles,’ Sarfraz Dairkee,

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The carbon footprint of the Emirates was one of the core topics discussed at the Middle East Faรงades Summit, which took place on the first day of the Event.

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“This requires not change around the edges, but a fundamental restructuring of how cities operate, how much they consume in resources and how much waste they produce, what they look like, and how they are structured.”

Scott Coombes, Director, AESG

Sarfraz Dairkee, GM-Corporate Development & Engineering, MAHY Khoory & Co

“This requires not change around the edges, but a fundamental restructuring of how cities operate, how much they consume in resources and how much waste they produce, what they look like, and how they are structured.”

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General Manager- Corporate Development & Engineering, MAHY Khoory & Co; Secretary of the Board of Directors, Emirates Green Building Council, said he also believes that adapting traditional architecture solutions is the way forward for the UAE. “Harmony with the environment makes buildings sustainable and we have to adapt modern construction materials, technologies, and tools to the local conditions. Closer understanding of variations in sunlight, temperature, humidity and wind exposure along with creative utilisation of energy modeling tools have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings significantly. We need a shift in the mindset from controlling to coordinating to achieve it,” he said.

“Every building is unique and to get the best out of it in terms of comfort and environmental footprint we have to do research and understand the local conditions as adapting those to the building façade design delivers astounding results. Modern technology provides tools and technologies to

customize and adapt buildings to the challenges posed by the UAE’s desert environment.”

The Summit featured seven distinctive sessions focusing on innovation, efficiency, security and quality control in façade design and engineering, the latest updates to fire and safety codes, building acoustic design optimisation as well as 12 CPD certified workshops and case studies.

Other prominent speakers at the Summit included: Dr. Joerg Westphal, Executive Senior Vice President, Schüco International KG Christopher Seymour, Regional Development Director & Head of Markets (MESA), Mott MacDonald Andy Dean, Head of Facades – Middle East, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff Abdulmajid Karanouh, Director, Head of Design Innovation, Facades & Sustainability, Ramboll Michael James Kelly, Director of Fire Safety and Operations, Emaar Malls Group.

Windows, Doors and Façades Event has been created to meet the growing demands of the GCC’s $10 billion construction market, amidst rising building development activities in the Middle East region. l

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SUSTAINABILITY

Bringing Sustainability to the Core of UAE Economy Dubai Carbon launches the first sustainability self-assessment tool focused on capital investment markets to streamline portfolio exposure to climate change

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ubai Carbon has launched a new version of Sustainability Self-Assessment specifically focused on measuring the risk and exposure towards socioenvironmental impacts thus allowing both public and private organisations to benchmark their resource efficiency amongst industries and peers. The launch was met with an overwhelming participation by the finance industry during an event at the Capital Club, DIFC. This tool is based on the need for organizations to stress testing their investment portfolios against international and local policies and regulations converging towards the need to take action towards climate change.

According to Dubai Carbon, the tool is a better fit for both private and public sector companies as it uses quantitative analysis and looks at sustainability from the three major aspects including environmental, economic and social. Many of the indicators used to measure performance are used in strategies such as the UAE Vision 2021, the Dubai Plan 2021 to name a few and correspond to international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Guidelines and applicable ISO standards.

Addressing the gathering, Christian Horvath, General Manager of Capital Club Dubai, commented: “Dubai Carbon’s self-assessment tool is a promising and a key tool for the private sector, as it enables businesses to assess the real impacts of their activities on the environment and socio-economic sectors. This will aid them in making informed decisions. We welcome Dubai Carbon’s efforts in bringing together both the public and private sector, in developing Dubai as a green economy.”

Ivano Iannelli, CEO of Dubai Carbon, stated that “the sustainability tool was developed with an aim of cultivating efforts to

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achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and leveraging the UAE entrepreneurship culture to further foster public-private partnership.

Innovation and new best practices are making way in our business culture and new platforms are being created to support such projects from a cheaper capital to facilitated normative environments. The tool allows any entity to assess they position and accessibility towards such platforms that do require auditable sustainability standards”.

The UAE signed the Paris Accords on April 22nd, 2016 further enhancing their commitments towards a low carbon development and sustainability stewardship. It is envisaged that the signed treaty will trickle down to influence all to policy revisions and the overall culture of stewardship.

The self-assessment tool is distributed at no cost and is an inevitable step towards achieving the sustainability goals set by the UAE, and will allow

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“Dubai Carbon’s selfassessment tool is a promising and a key tool for the private sector, as it enables businesses to assess the real impacts of their activities on the environment and socioeconomic sectors. This will aid them in making informed decisions. We welcome Dubai Carbon’s efforts in bringing together both the public and private sector, in developing Dubai as a green economy.” organisations in the private sector to benchmark where they stand in comparison with global best practices.

Furthermore, the tool has been specifically aligned to national plans and strategies such as the UAE Vision 2021, the Dubai Plan 2021 and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, to incorporate baselines and identify areas that are further relevant to entities based in the UAE. The tool is freely distributed and available online on Dubai Carbon’s website as of 8th of September. l

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Unlocking the Power of Drone Technology in Construction

BY Asam Khan, CEO, Exponent

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nmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or drones as they are commonly called, are fast becoming an indelible part of our urban and technological landscape.

As recently as three years ago, commercial grade drones were still very rudimentary, requiring significant levels of training and expertise to master and control using manual methods (i.e. without assistance from GPS satellites). Today, that picture is radically different with off-the-shelf drones capable of auto flight stabilization, autonomous return-to-home and simple point and click flight planning applications.

The ease with which some of these can be flown often results in them being perceived as “toys” however, this is a dangerous assumption to make given the strict statutory framework that many governments are now developing to regulate this technology – a firm testament that authorities consider these to be anything but toys.

The role of UAV in construction Within the construction industry, current drone applications have been mostly limited to inspection and progress monitoring, however, the scope is actually much larger and can incorporate onsite inventory tracking, surveying, volumetric measurements and personnel safety. Almost all projects can benefit, but the easiest ones to implement are large projects being conducted in open areas outside of congested

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environments, where interference and greater latitude to operate can be exercised. Road construction and bridge construction projects are prime candidates, as well as projects that require large onsite inventories to be monitored and data collected.

Drones represent a means of doing more with less and also an opportunity to do something that couldn’t be done before.

The primary benefit for construction sites in the short term is enhanced visibility and transparency in operations, as well as improved efficiency, cost saving and safety, which will give way to greater utilization in inventory monitoring and control as drone capabilities continue to be refined.

On the safety front, one application Exponent is currently working on includes the detection of RFID tags by drones patrolling a construction site embedded in Personnel Safety Equipment (such as hard hats, boots etc.). This can provide a detailed count and position fix of all staff (critical in case of an emergency). In addition, we are experimenting with body sensors that provide worker health data and can be used to detect dehydration or potentially life threatening cases that can be acted upon before they become critical.

Moving beyond limitations While there are certainly more opportunities for construction companies to maximize drone technology, it has been limited to date due to several factors: the most important being the complex regulatory framework which many countries are now developing.

A secondary area of concern is safety and, while drones can indeed be used to improve safety, there are issues around the ability to operate drones within a construction environment where many components may be at work (cranes etc.), posing potential risks to safe operations.

What’s more, effective frequency management is key as on-site equipment may also operate on the same frequencies as the drone and its related equipment can cause interference and even possible loss of control.

Ensuring a holistic solution In order to maximize the role of UAV technology, construction companies need to analyze problems without being blinded by the technology and that’s

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ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANCY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT UAE - QATAR - UK

www.hilsonmoran.com

t +974 4 006 8300 e info@hilsonmoran.com

smart technology

Asam Khan Chief Executive Officer, Exponent

where they need the advice of experts to explain both what the technology can and can’t do.

The drone is only one part of the solution (a very exciting part, but only a single facet) and simply going out to buy a drone will not be effective.

When used in isolation, drones are still basically image acquisition platforms; they cannot be regarded as integrated holistic solutions that fulfill a specific function without expert input. For example, simply acquiring an aerial image of construction site is of little benefit unless it can be integrated into existing systems to aid or support decisions, such as the volumetric measurement of aggregate delivered to the site and its adequacy for the job at hand.

Without the integration of sensors, communications and analysis software, drones will fail to deliver on their perceived promise and they will remain a novelty.

Holistic approaches that integrate them fully with existing enterprise back-end systems will accelerate their adoption in industrial commercial applications and that’s where their true value can be demonstrated and realized.

First, companies need to identify their pain points, without reference to any specific technology base or platform, before acquiring the services of a specialist to create a coherent end product that delivers the requisite performance at a suitable price, for real business world value. l

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Patrick Steiner, Lead Architect at Red Hat

Intelligent IT Solutions for the Internet of Things

BY Patrick Steiner, Lead Architect at Red Hat

The Internet of Things is changing business IT and holds great potential for companies. By analysing data from networked devices, they can automate their business processes, increase productivity and lower costs. This requires a highly scalable, reliable and secure IT infrastructure, which should be based on standardized components and protocols and operate on three different layers: the device layer, the gateway layer and the data centre layer.

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he Internet of Things (IoT) networks intelligent devices of all kinds, such as sensors, mobile devices, machines or vehicles with each other and with the cloud. The analysis of IoT data offers great opportunities to companies – they can make decisions faster, optimize business processes or develop new applications or even business models. In this way, the Internet of Things impacts nearly every field, from energy, health, and transportation, to retail, hospitality, manufacturing and financial services.

This opens up a broad spectrum of new potential applications, ranging from intelligent building technology, automated lighting or energy management, intelligent manufacturing systems and optimized solutions for inventories, logistics and supply chain management to remote monitoring of patients’ vital data.

The sheer size and public nature of the Internet of Things, however, also involves huge technological challenges. Network and system architects have to optimize the IT infrastructure in order to meet the demanding requirements of the IoT in terms of scalability, reliability and security.

The Internet of Things poses entirely new challenges for scalability, for instance. In the study ‘Worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) 2013–2020 Forecast: Billions of Things, Trillions of Dollars,’ the market researcher IDC forecasts that more than 220 billion devices will be connected via the Internet of Things by 2020. A single intelligent system could then collect and analyse billions of data objects from millions of different endpoints. This will place unprecedented demand on processor performance, storage and networks.

IoT-based applications and automated business processes also place higher demands on the availability of the system.

Many intelligent systems are used for mission-critical applications, and system failures can lead to lowered productivity, dissatisfied customers or a drop in sales. The same is true for emergency services, medical applications and monitoring solutions. In these cases a system failure can endanger property, the environment, people’s health or even lives.

Distributed IoT solutions create large-scale security challenges, since the systems are networked over the Internet and use processing capacity and storage resources from the cloud. That’s why companies need to expand their security infrastructure to efficiently protect themselves from data loss, theft and ever more sophisticated denial-of-service attacks. This infrastructure includes comprehensive authentication, authorizing and auditing features. These build confidence, regulate access to resources and ensure compliance with the legal guidelines and company policies.

Companies should use powerful encryption methods in order to protect their intellectual property and customer data from theft.

Layer model satisfies demands Intelligent IT solutions meet the requirements of IoT systems in terms of scalability, reliability and security. The solutions are based on a hierarchical model with a device layer, control layer and data centre or cloud layer. The solutions also use standardized protocols and components.

The device layer includes a high number of intelligent devices, including mobile devices, wearables, sensors, control devices and autonomous machines and appliances. Communication between the devices and the control points is based on standard network protocols – either cable or wireless. Open messaging standards are also used for routing raw data and exchanging control system information. The device layer also includes gateways that allow for interoperability with older and proprietary devices.

The gateway layer serves as a link between the devices and data centre or the cloud. It collects and saves data from the devices and sends them to the data centre. Conversely, it also sends control information to the devices – all based on open messaging standards.

The gateway layer also serves as a cache for data required for tactical analysis or regulatory standards.

In addition, the gateway layer plays a central role for the Business Rules Management System (BRMS), since it saves real-time data monitored by BRMS in order to speed up processes. This layer recognizes patterns in the data and functions according to predefined

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The gateway layer serves as a link between the devices and data centre or the cloud. It collects and saves data from the devices and sends them to the data centre. business rules. In addition, it distributes workloads and automates routine services for applications such as routing, transforming, distributing and aggregating data.

The data centre and cloud layer is responsible for operating applications and services, analysing data and adapting business rules based on historical trends. It stores data for long-term analysis, contains the most user and management interfaces and offers a virtual environment for complex tasks, distributed computing and business analytics functions. Furthermore, aggregated data from the control layer is collected and examined in this layer and business rules are distributed downstream.

One alternative to the three-layer model outlined here is the two-layer model, in which devices are connected directly to the data centres or the cloud. This model is ideally suited to consumer applications that require less bandwidth and that do not need a gateway layer for the distribution of workloads.

Flexibility and lower costs: The multi-layer model and open standards allow the systems to utilize all the advantages of the Internet and the cloud – scalability, reliability, security and flexibility. By using standard interfaces, companies gain a variety of protocols and products and avoid becoming dependent on any single manufacturer. They can utilize different components from different providers and freely combine these into one system that perfectly meets their requirements.

Scalability: The distributed model allows for maximum scalability and lowers costs. The intermediate control layer reduces the load on data centres and the cloud by processing raw data, carrying out business logic and communicating with devices. Since it also reduces devices’ demands on processor performance and storage, more simple, cost-effective devices can be used.

The elements of the control layer can be geographically distributed in order to maximize performance (uniform distribution of computing, network and storage resources) and cost-effectiveness (lower costs for network bandwidth).

Reliability: The hierarchal topology is very robust on every layer and between layers. Architects can implement redundant elements and domains in order to eliminate single points of failure and deliver high quality service. A system with reliable network, computing and storage components ensures the continual availability of mission-critical applications.

Security: The multi-layer model offers multiple levels of security. Architects can implement different security measures at the individual levels (e.g. encryption, secure authentication, authorization, and auditing, as well as patch and configuration management) in order to protect the system from attacks and threats.

This type of flexible, high-performance system can master all the challenges that the Internet of Things poses with its millions of networked devices and huge data volume. As a result, companies can transform raw data into valuable information and create the conditions for long-term success in their business. l

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Robotics to Boost Business Productivity and Workplace Safety DigiRobotics Drives UAE Homegrown Innovation Across 3D Printing Robots, Humanoid and Industrial Robots, and Unmanned Vehicles

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he six-fold growth in mobile robotics by 2020 will dramatically enhance Middle East and global business productivity, workplace safety, and daily lives, according to an exclusive new report by Frost & Sullivan prepared in collaboration with GITEX Technology Week.

Shipments of mobile robotics will grow from 4 million in 2012 to 25.4 million in 2020. The fastest growing sector in this expansion is predicted to be logistics, with unit shipments of logistics-related robotics increasing from 1,400 in 2012 to 95,000 in 2020. The largest absolute growth will be in personal and household robotics, growing from four million in 2012 to 25 million in 2020.

“As robots get inexorably smarter with advances in Artificial Intelligence and know more about the world around them through access to the Internet of Things and Big Data, they will make more informed decisions and be able to adapt to the environments they inhabit. This in turn will lead to richer human-machine collaboration – driving massive gains in productivity, safer workplaces, and better

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lives,” said Paul Clarke, CTO at the United Kingdombased Ocado, the world’s largest online-only grocery retailer.

Ocado ships over 200,000 weekly orders in the UK thanks to its automated warehouses, the latest of which will have thousands of robots fetching their customers’ groceries. Ocado is currently partnering with several European Union universities to develop the SecondHand humanoid robot, which aims for factory deployment by 2020.

“Humanoid robots with advanced artificial intelligence are set to be a major leap forward in complementing people and enhancing efficiency in the workplace, especially in high-risk and fastpaced environments. As the Middle East’s push for innovation continues, the region is primed to be a centre of having robots transform the workplace.

Lessons learnt in retail could be extended to other

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verticals such as healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, and construction,” added Paul Clarke.

With more workplace automation, companies will be able to replace up to 10 workers with one robot, driving down costs by as much as 60 per cent, according to Frost & Sullivan.

The European Federation of Robotics, a non-profit organization that aims to promote, strengthen, and protect the robotics industry worldwide, predicts the Middle East will see strong take-up of robotics across businesses, especially in industrial and manufacturing.

“Robots increasingly have the artificial intelligence to carry out tasks based on their own decisions, enhancing efficiency and safety. We are on the brink of a major breakthrough in human-machine technology advancement, and the GCC and UAE have the ambition and early adoption mind-set to be global leaders in using robotics to transform daily lives,” said Simon Andersen, CIO at the European Federation of Robotics.

Robotics, Drones, and 3D Printing Drive Innovation Robotics, along with drones and 3D printing, are three inter-related technologies that are rapidly decreasing in cost, advancing in sophistication, and driving innovation.

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With mid-range 3D printers advancing in quality, there is strong industry take-up – from rapid prototyping in industrial manufacturing, to healthcare with hearing aids and dental braces. Globally, 3D printers and services will grow more than six-fold, from USD 2.5 billion in 2013 to USD 16.2 billion in 2018, according to a recent analysis by consultants PwC. 3D printing is making major waves in the retail sector – with industry analysts Gartner predicting at least seven of the top 10 retailers in the world using 3D printing. John Vary, Innovation Manager at UK department store John Lewis, will present at GITEX on how the company’s in-house Room Y innovation hub has prototyped 3D-printed products.

Drones are seeing strong take-up across a wide range of industry verticals - especially in monitoring sites and delivering goods across long distances, and present a global commercial value of USD 127 billion, according to a recent report by consultants PWC. The three strongest markets are infrastructure, agriculture, and transport, with infrastructure worth USD 45 billion across monitoring, conducting maintenance, and checking inventory.

Bringing drones innovations to the Middle East, many of the world’s largest and most advanced drones manufacturers will showcase their latest drones at GITEX – including leading Chinese drones manufacturers Ehang, Prodrone, and Yuneec.

The new GITEX Startup Movement supports global startups experimenting in robotics, drones, and 3D printing in securing funding and reaching new markets and audiences.

UAE startup DigiRobotics, which launched CafeBot and CarBot driverless car at last year’s GITEX, will return to showcase the first virtual reality robotic simulator, 3D printing by a seven-axis robot, unmanned vehicles, and the UAE’s first 3D-printed humanoid robot. l

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OUR URBAN FUTURE As the years go by, more and more people are choosing to leave behind their suburban and rural lives in search of greater urban opportunities.

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o get a sense of what city life might look like in the future, Business Insider called on futurists, urban planners, and designers to weigh in on trends related to transportation, housing, automation, the Internet, the environment, and jobs.

Together, their predictions paint the world’s future cities as crowded hubs that run on renewable energy and harness the Internet in every facet of daily life. Vehicles are electric, self-driving, and shared by residents.

Welcome to our urban future.

Cities will be always ready to dispense enormous amounts of data that help people and governments live and work better.

Dan Doctoroff, CEO of Google’s transportation offshoot, Sidewalk Labs, has announced interest in building so-called “smart cities” — places where the Internet is baked into all aspects of the city.

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In such a city, the government could ensure all citizens have access to free high-speed Internet, and it can collect huge batches of data about transportation habits and infrastructure. It’ll be a real-life version of Singapore’s virtual twin city, which is just like Singapore, only completely datafied.

People could know in real-time how busy the trains are and which restaurants are the least crowded. Selfdriving cars will know at all times which routes are the fastest based on data from other vehicles on the road, similar to how Waze users alert one another.

Cities will have so much data at their disposal, they’ll basically think for themselves.

With so many sensors collecting data and communicating with one another, cities of the future

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be self-driving, electric, and used primarily as shared vehicles to get around. Further down the line, few city-dwellers will own their own cars that they keep at home.

Cities will be so smart in how they dispatch automated cars, says Pescovitz, that “you’ll start to see various forms of transportation almost as packets in the Internet getting switched around and routed to various places as they’re needed.”

Paul McConnell, design director at Intersection, the company bringing free Wifi to New York through the LinkNYC, speculates people will use cars as minioffices since they won’t need to focus on driving. They’ll be able to stay heads down while their car whisks them to work.

“Our future urban landscapes may in some ways resemble the cities of our past,” he tells Business Insider. “Multigenerational households could offset the growing cost of living in cities, while transforming community bonds in neighborhoods.”

will start to think for themselves, says David Pescovitz, research director at the Institute for the Future (IFTF).

That means all forms of public and private transportation coordinate with one another simultaneously to keep the roads safe and efficient. Pescovitz also believes on-demand services will start using predictive models based on people’s spending habits to deliver items to your door before you realize you need them — like an enhanced version of Amazon’s Dash button.

100 years from now, “You start to see the city almost become sentient,” he says.

Transportation will become a centrallycontrolled system in which cars run autonomously and can talk to other vehicles on the road.

Every expert consulted believes cities of the future will experience a revolution in transportation. In the next decade, cars will increasingly

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People will live in small spaces that are packed tightly together.

With so many people to consider but far fewer cars on the road, cities will get to repurpose much of the current space dedicated to streets and instead use it for housing complexes — many of them made up of micro-apartments.

McConnell says multi-generational living situations may also be a necessity for families.

“Our future urban landscapes may in some ways resemble the cities of our past,” he tells Business Insider. “Multigenerational households could offset the growing cost of living in cities, while transforming community bonds in neighborhoods.”

Public spaces will be easy to navigate, flexible, and friendly to pedestrians.

According to Rod Falcon, head of IFTF’s Technology Horizon team, public spaces will serve an even more vital function in future cities.

When people are living in tighter quarters and have less room to entertain guests, cities could respond to the greater demand for public space by turning unused roads into bike and walking paths and transforming parking lots into parks.

“Public spaces are going to need to be much more adaptable,” says Falcon.

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If they want to avoid contributing even further to climate change while still supporting their infrastructure, cities of the future will need to rely on wind and solar power.

Full-time work may start to seem outdated as robotic automation takes over.

As robots continue to replace human labor, people will have an increasingly difficult time finding work in the coming decades. Falcon says the nature of many jobs will need to change, moving from full-time careers to individual gigs.

“Jobs are getting unbundled into very specific tasks,” he says. Data already show robotics and AI will displace much of the workforce, so companies of the future, if they ever need human labor, might just call on people for one-off creative projects.

Falcon points to other matchmaking services — Tinder for dating, Uber for rides — that have already seen great success in bringing people together based on their needs and wants.

He says the kinds of services that currently exist for on-the-go freelancers, such as Fiverr and Gigwalk, will only get smarter with time.

Facial recognition technology could make security as simple as taking a picture.

The most sophisticated technology in Google Photos is the app’s ability to recognize who or what is in a photo. Cities of the future could incorporate facial and object recognition technology in a wide

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range of applications, from airport security to home protection, says Brooks Rainwater, director of the City Solutions and Applied Research Center at the National League of Cities.

Instead of having everyone enter a building at the front, facial recognition could allow for multiple entrances on all sides, Rainwater speculates.

In other words, a building could be the security guard that checks your ID. Renewable energy will be a visible part of daily life as cities increasingly run on wind and solar power.

Entire cities — most notably Burlington, Vermont and Aspen, Colorado — already rely 100% on renewable energy.

If they want to avoid contributing even further to climate change while still supporting their infrastructure, cities of the future will need to rely on wind and solar power.

One heartening sign: GE has already started building America’s first offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island.

In the future, cities could see huge wind farms and solar arrays located in designated spaces — in addition to highly efficient rooftop solar arrays and solar-painted buildings — quietly powering the luxuries future societies have come to expect of their cities. l

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TRANSPORT

Winners of Build Earth Live Hyperloop Competition Announced Hyperloop designs are set to transform the global transportation sector and bring huge social, economic and environmental benefits.

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he event included designing a Hyperloop link project that will reduce the distance between Dubai and Fujairah to less than 10 minutes of travel time.

The 48-hour contest involved international scientific cooperation to introduce the latest technology on Hyperloop transportation designs. More than 100 participants competed under teams from various engineering and scientific international enterprises, and in the final stage, six teams explained their project in front of evaluation judges.

Commenting on the event, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, said, “Dubai is hosting this global event as part of the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to make the UAE and Dubai a global platform for innovative minds to come together to create futuristic solutions on issues of relevance to humanity. This contest is a great opportunity to explore innovative ideas in the smart transportation sector.”

Team Mobius from France were crowned overall winners of Build Earth Live – Hyperloop. The competition was created by Asite and sponsored by Dubai Future Foundation, Vectorworks and Hyperloop One. The competition enabled six teams compete to design a prototype for a Hyperloop train that can reduce travel time between Dubai and Fujairah to 10 minutes. The seven finalists were chosen from a pool of 250 registrants from 65 teams and 29 countries around the world.

Mobius was ranked first among the finalists after the panel evaluated the projects from technical and economic perspectives, as well as their ability to reinvent transportation for passengers and cargo alike. The panel also evaluated safety and security, efficiency and sustainability.

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In the finals stage, the qualifying teams presented their innovative designs before the judging panel; each design had to lay plans for parallel Hyperloop transportation systems – one for passengers, and another for cargo – that would eventually converge into one station at the finish line. Projects also had to include stations complete with spacious halls for passengers to board the trains.

A panel of expert judges had chosen 65 teams to compete in the semi-finals at a previous stage. The panel includes specialists from Asite and the world’s largest information technology companies, as well as representatives from local and international government entities taking part in the competition, and representatives of government and private-sector institutions in Dubai and the UAE, the US, and the UK. His Excellency Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Announcing the firstplace winner of the Hyperloop Competition is a milestone that makes evident our resolve to move forward with our plans to build the future today.

The winning project was chosen by a highly qualified panel of experts and specialists in engineering and technology; it is one of the most innovative plans to build an integrated high-speed Hyperloop transportation system that can travel from Dubai to Fujairah in a mere 10 minutes.”

H.E. added: “The first edition of Dubai’s International Hyperloop Competition has accomplished a great deal of success and commanded global attention. The contest attracted commendable international participation in a record period of time.

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This drive to participate in the challenge reflects Dubai’s positive international image as a world-leading platform to implement the planet’s most advanced technologies.”

Tony Ryan, CEO, ASITE, said: “Build Earth Live Hyperloop has exceeded all expectations. With thanks to His Excellency Saif Al Aleeli, backing the 8th Edition of Build Earth live, we received phenomenal international attention and team registrations. In short, the response was off the Richter scale.

The results speak for themselves I hope you agree.”

Asite COO, Nathan Doughty, said, “There is great enthusiasm for the hyperloop concept and the huge social, economic and environmental benefits it promises to bring.

Aspects of the stunning winning designs are likely to grace many major cities around the world in the coming years. We are very close to where imagination becomes reality, and these designs are a great showcase for the future.”

Al Gergawi pointed out that development of future transportation solutions will effectively change the way people handle their daily tasks, and the way they work and commute, especially considering that the world is witnessing a technical revolution involving 3D printing, self-driving vehicles, and robotics.

“This will eventually lead to massive global economic growth, and we aim to keep pace with the rapid developments by focussing on smart application of services and innovation in all fields,” Al Gergawi added.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and member of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, explained that the RTA’s vision and strategic plans are aligned to the overall objectives of the government, and seek to contribute to the provision of innovative services that enhance the status of Dubai as a pioneer in providing futuristic solutions for all sectors.

“Smart systems will revolutionise Dubai’s transportation sector,” he added.

Al Tayer noted that Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aims to convert 25 per cent of the total commuting trips to autonomous mode (driverless) as one of the world’s most important initiatives, and turning Dubai into a global laboratory for next generation technologies in the field of transportation. He also pointed that as part of Dubai’s strategy to shift to autonomous transportation, RTA has recently begun trial runs of the first driverless smart vehicle that accommodates up to 10 passengers.

“The authority is also currently working on plans to implement the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy,” he added.

Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said, “Hyperloop is now a major topic of study and research to find effective ways of implementing technology in line with the global trends of innovation as well as the vision of Dubai Future Foundation as part of Dubai’s Future Cities programme which has smart transportation as a key pillar of the programme.

Al Aleeli noted that hosting of experts as part of the competition will contribute to innovation in the transportation sector, and strengthen partnerships and investments in the field.

Nathan Doughty, Group Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Asite, said, “We are delighted that the UAE is hosting

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“This will eventually lead to massive global economic growth, and we aim to keep pace with the rapid developments by focussing on smart application of services and innovation in all fields,” Al Gergawi the ‘Build Earth Live’ contest. Through this partnership, we are looking forward to bringing innovative designs to further develop the infrastructure and find realistic future solutions, especially in the transportation sector.”

Prior to the competition, the organisers will release a high-level design brief to all potential participants, followed by full details of the event and the introduction of the final projects. The winners will be selected by a committee of global experts who will judge the projects.

Hyperloop is a system that integrates a low-pressure pipe linking two stations enabling passenger capsules within the pipe to travel at high speeds of up to 1,200 km per hour. The technology is capable of reducing the time required for travel between New York and Beijing to just two hours. Experts say that the cost of building a single Hyperloop tube will cost just 10 percent of the cost of building conventional high speed trains.

Dubai Future Foundation is a leading independent research organisation that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dubai in light of the Dubai Future Agenda adopted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Dubai Future Agenda will enhance the future of all strategic sectors of the country through the launch of initiatives and strategies such as the autonomous transportation strategy launched recently as a joint venture between the Dubai Future Foundation and the RTA. The agenda seeks to support and enhance the impact of the future sectors on the national economy through the launch of several initiatives and strategies for future such as the recent Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which is a joint venture between the Dubai Future Foundation and the RTA, which aims to transform 25 per cent of the total transportation in Dubai to autonomous mode by 2030. l

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SMART TRAFFIC ABU DHABI A new system of smart traffic signals is set to control congestion at intersections between thoroughfares and main streets, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) has announced.

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he system will help control the number of vehicles that can access a thoroughfare or highway at a given point in time using traffic signals, along with a series of vehicle-counting sensors and cameras.

The signal itself can turn either red or yellow. A red light asks motorists to stop and not drive on to the highway. A blinking yellow light, on the other hand, asks drivers to approach the highway cautiously while ensuring that there are no incoming vehicles.

For starters, the system will be set up along the accessways to Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (previously Al Salam Street), one of the capital’s busiest thoroughfares. Specifically, a signal has already been

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set up at the intersection of the road with Shaikha Salama Bin Butti Street.

When there are many vehicles on Shaikh Zayed Street, the signal will turn red to prevent more motorists from accessing the highway and adding to the congestion. The signal will turn yellow when there are fewer cars on the highway, thus allowing motorists on connected main streets to get on to Shaikh Zayed Street.

The DMAT also urged drivers to follow the new rules of the signal system, which aims to minimise congestion in line with changing traffic scenarios. l

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Food & Agriculture

is coffee facing extinction? tencuppa Don’t take your morning cup of coffee for granted. It may not be around in a few decades, according to a new report.

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offee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages, but it may not be around much longer. According to a new report released by Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand, coffee is severely threatened by climate change, and the amount of land suitable for coffee production could decrease by 50 per cent as soon as 2050.

While the report contains little new research, it pulls together recent studies, research, and graphics on coffee production and climate change into a single document, outlining a situation that looks very dire for coffee producers and drinkers alike.

Arabica coffee beans, the preferred type, do best at moderate tropical temperatures of 18-21°C (64-70°F). Robusta, the other most common variety, is more resistant to temperature but of lower quality. All coffee grows in the so-called “Bean Belt,” which wraps around the circumference of the planet and comprises 70 countries, including Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Central American nations. Coffee is the second most valuable commodity exported by developing nations, so any decrease in exports would be a huge economic blow, not to mention a loss of important jobs among many of the world’s poorest laborers and farmers.

Already climate change is causing trouble for coffee farmers. With warmer, wetter weather overall, growers are experiencing infestations such as coffee leaf rust and the berry borer in high-altitude locations that used to be unsuitable to such pests. Hot spells and cold snaps are killing crops; the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais lost one-third of its yield in 2014 due to drought.

From the report: “Even half a degree at the wrong time can make a big difference in coffee yield, flavour, and aroma. Around the Bean Belt, rising minimum growing temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and rising pest and disease incidence, are already making life harder for coffee farmers.”

Some countries will become unsuitable for coffee production altogether, such as Mexico, which is projected to be unviable by the 2020s. The report says that most of Nicaragua will lose its coffee zone by 2050, and Tanzanian Arabica will reach critically

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“Even half a degree at the wrong time can make a big difference in coffee yield, flavour, and aroma.

Around the Bean Belt, rising minimum growing temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and rising pest and disease incidence, are already making life harder for coffee farmers.” low levels by the 2060s. There are regions that could benefit from the changing climate by becoming coffee growers, such as the highlands of East Africa, Indonesia, Papua-New Guinea, and the Andes, but these would still be affected by more extreme and

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“[Climate change] is a severe threat. It’s anecdotal, but I don’t know any coffee farmers who don’t believe that their weather, and with it their disease and productivity issues, have changed dramatically over the last decade.”

unpredictable weather. Additional expansion would result, too, in the destruction of more forests to make way for new plantations.

The New York Times cites Doug Welsh, vicepresident at Peet’s Coffee and a board member at World Coffee Research: “[Climate change] is a severe threat. It’s anecdotal, but I don’t know any coffee farmers who don’t believe that their weather, and with it their disease and productivity issues, have changed dramatically over the last decade.”

As the Fairtrade report points out, most of the world’s 25 million coffee workers are poor, uneducated, disorganized, and slow to implement best practices on their small farms. They live in economic situations that are already dangerously fragile, with an oversaturated market with highly volatile prices. All of this means that they have little capacity to build resilience.

“Coffee labourers in tropical countries are among those most exposed to heat strain and heat stroke – a situation certain to worsen… Warmer, moister conditions

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also favour the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria. Drought, on the other [hand], is associated with a deep and disturbing sense of failure, loss, powerlessness, heightened anxiety, stress, depression, and an increased suicide rate among farmers.”

What’s a coffee lover to do?

Learn what the issues are facing coffee growers worldwide. Be sure to buy coffee that has been fairly traded (some companies offer carbon-neutral, too), because then you know that the workers are receiving a fair return for their work and are part of an organization that supports them and will help them to implement strategies for climate change resistance. l

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Health & Community

Currently 79% of UAE residents consider themselves to be wellinformed on topics surrounding the environment and ecofriendliness, with the Internet (65%), social media (57%), the news (47%) and government campaigns (44%) being the top sources of information for green issues. It appears, however, for some environmental concerns, being informed doesn’t necessarily equate to taking action.

UAE residents show promise for a greener community 65% of those who don’t shop with reusable bags would consider using them if supermarkets started charging. 64% of non-solar panel users would consider installing them with incentives from the government.

9 in 10 recycle at work when there is a recycle system available

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new YouGov study into the green habits of UAE residents has found that the population is making positive steps to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, yet some issues still need enforcement and encouragement from the government.

The results were announced as the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched Green Week, organized to raise awareness and promote a culture of environmental sustainability and conservation amongst various communities.

Currently 79% of UAE residents consider themselves to be well-

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health & Community

informed on topics surrounding the environment and eco-friendliness, with the Internet (65%), social media (57%), the news (47%) and government campaigns (44%) being the top sources of information for green issues. It appears, however, for some environmental concerns, being informed doesn’t necessarily equate to taking action.

Recycling and energy consumption in particular are areas highlighted by the study where residents indicate the government’s attention is needed most to start changing their mindset.

Non-biodegradable plastic bags provided by supermarkets for instance, which have come under much scrutiny recently, are still the bag of choice when residents are grocery shopping (37%), compared to 30% who shop with reusable bags. When considering what would encourage residents to switch to reusable bags in future, 65% of those who don’t currently shop with reusable bags claimed they would change their ways only if supermarkets started to charge for plastic

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The research also reveals residents are taking steps which are helping to address other environmental issues such as reducing the country’s carbon foot print and water wastage. bags – a rule only the government could enforce to all supermarkets.

When it comes to energy consumption, the study shows that 81% of UAE residents do not currently power their households with solar energy. Nonetheless, 64% claimed that if provided with monetary compensation or incentives from the government, they would consider installing solar panels to power their homes.

The research also reveals residents are taking steps which are helping to address other environmental issues such as reducing the country’s carbon foot print and water wastage.

Currently, the findings show that almost two thirds (61%) of the UAE’s population primarily travel by car, of which 73% mostly drive their own car. However, almost a third (27%) are using public transport as their primary mode of transport, with 13% travelling by metro/tram and 14% travelling by bus. 3 in 10 also carpool/ride-share in favour of the cost-effectiveness (41%) and the convenience (35%) it provides.

Incentivized equally by reducing their household costs and being more eco-friendly (both 69%), encouragingly, UAE residents are also taking action to reduce their water consumption with nearly 9 in 10 (86%) participating in activities to reduce their household water wastage.

The inclination to recycle is also very much present. Currently, according to the study findings, 72% of households and 55% of workplaces do not have a recycling system in place. However, 9 in 10 residents claimed they do recycle at work when there is a system in place, highlighting the vast majority do make an effort to think about the environment before they throw material away when the systems are in place to do so.

Overall just over half of UAE residents (56%) consider their household to be eco-friendly and progress has been made by the government and the public to address key environmental issues

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to date. However, the findings demonstrate clear signs from UAE residents that even greater interception from the government could encourage the remaining 44% of the population to consider the environment more seriously in future. l

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