SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES QATAR OMAN KUWAIT
Construction An ITP Business Publication
WEEK
CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 [295]
NEWS, ANALYSIS, PROJECTS, TENDERS, CLASSIFIEDS, AND JOBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
INSIDE NEWS ANALYSIS Why construction firms are turning their backs on Brazil PAGE 16
FACE TO FACE Industry experts discuss the CW Dubai Conference 2009 PAGE 19
LANDSCAPING
CW AWARDS
Is making the great outdoors a priority for contractors? PAGE 31
WOODS BAGOT PICKS UP TOP HONOUR FOR SUPREME JUDGES AWARD 2009
CITY FOCUS The latest news, projects and tenders in Doha, Qatar PAGE 46
CONTENTS NOVEMBER 7-13, 2009 | ISSUE 295 8
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FEATURES 24 CW AWARDS Coverage from this year’s event with pictures of the winners.
26 SITE VISIT CW visits Jumeirah Golf Estates to find out what progress has been made.
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31 LANDSCAPING
19
Experts talk about the current trends in the landscaping sector.
DIRECTORY 38 SHOWCASE 40 TENDERS 41 PROJECTS 22
24
REGULARS 2 ONLINE 4 MAIL
FRONT 8 WEEK OF MILESTONES FOR ALDAR’S YAS ISLAND In addition to seeing its new race track host its very first F1 Grand Prix, Aldar last week completed the external structure on Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
9 BAHRAINI CONTRACTORS ARE SUFFERING Bahrain’s contractors are under pressure and being forced to slash staff numbers due to the economic crisis according to Nass Group managing director.
11 NEWS IN PICS
14 EVENTS Industry dates for your diary.
16 NEWS ANALYSIS Why construction companies are not turning to Brazil for business.
19 FACE TO FACE Speakers at the Construction Week Dubai Conference talk about what they achieved from the event.
42 SPECIALIST SERVICES
21 COLUMN
46 CITY UPDATE
Chandana Jayalath discusses what to do when faced with price escalation in Qatar.
The latest news and projects from Doha, Qatar.
22 LEGAL
48 DIALOGUE
Luc Bauwmans suggests how the NEC3 family of contracts could help navigate the downturn.
Dorma Gulf’s Ben Shaw discusses the increasing demand for secure door components.
BACK
Topical images with the latest news.
12 CONFERENCE NEWS Updates from this year’s Construction Week Dubai Conference.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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ONLINE
www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com MOST POPULAR HI-RISE FIRE IN SHARJAH DUBAI PROPERTIES CHAIRMAN ARRESTED UK ASKS UAE TO PAY CONSTRUCTION FIRMS NEW PROJECT DIRECTOR FOR TIGER WOODS DUBAI BAHRAIN’S CONTRACTORS ARE ‘SUFFERING’ SAYS NASS
HAVE YOUR SAY ARE YOU LOOKING TO RECRUIT AGAIN?
Is now the time to start hiring staff, or is the market too risky at present?
IN PICTURES: YAS ISLAND F1: A RETROSPECTIVE Last week’s F1 Grand Prix race was held to great acclaim. We take a look back at how an empty piece of desert was transformed into one of the world’s greatest race tracks. For more images visit www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com
JOBS OF THE WEEK Construction Director, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Senior QA/QC Engineers, Doha, Qatar Supply Chain Manager, Damman, Saudi Arabia
ONLINE POLL FEATURES Design
Architect
ON THE WAY... Three interior design projects underway in Qatar.
THE CENTRE OF ISLAMIC STUDIES An exclusive look at KSA’s Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University.
WHO WOULD YOU NEXT LIKE TO SEE INTERVIEWED BY CONSTRUCTION WEEK?
50.0% 30.0% 20.0%
A government official, I want to know what those in charge really think
A contractor, I want to know exactly what’s going on down on the ground
MEP
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS Some points to consider when preparing contracts of employment.
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A developer, I want to know what’s coming up in terms of future projects
PMV
BAHRAIN FOCUS Some of the plus points and pitfalls of doing business in Bahrain.
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK’S SPOT POLL GO TO www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
ROOF INSULATION FOR FACTORY Foamglas brings you the economical solution combined with high fire performance The simple build up is very economical and still provides a high fire safety Ref: BMW factory, Regensburg Germany (since 1960 we have insulated more than 500’000m² roofs for BMW)
• Environmentally sound in it’s manufacturing, usage and eventual disposal • Totally free from CFC and HCFC • 66% recycling glass content
CHECK US OUT AT THE BIG 5 EXHIBITION STAND 7A305 (23rd - 26th November 2009) PITTSBURGH CORNING Europe (Branch Middle East) Arenco Tower, Media City, P.O. Box 213345, Dubai, UAE TEL +971 (0)4 434 7140 FAX +971 (0)4 432 7109 EMAIL info@foamglas.ae WEB www.foamglas.ae
MAIL RE: EXPERT CALLS FOR ASBESTOS BAN Unlike asbestosis which is caused over prolonged exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma can be caused by contact with a single spore. It can also lay dormant in the lungs for over 40 years. My father was one such case, he worked in the shipyards in Liverpool Docks in the 1950s. He went from a healthy, active, proud man to a helpless, racked with pain, shadow of his former self in just weeks. This is not something I will ever forget nor is it something I would wish on anyone. Today there’s no excuse – it is really down to a company’s morals and integrity. KEVIN BREWER
RE: IN THE BUDGET There are way too many designers and decorators in this residential industry that are willing to just give services away. First and foremost clients, need to be educated and taught the difference between a decorator and an interior designer. Second, all of these TV shows that showcase people going from a hairdresser or artist one day to an interior designer the next, are just not being held accountable to NCIDQ guidelines or states that require the term ‘registered interior designer’ to stand behind the real designers who are paying their Asid dues and state fees and maintaining their state licenses. They need to charge more, but I blame the very organisations we pay to start to protect and educate people as to why a professional designer charges what they do. After 35 years in this industry someone has to protect the designers, and no one is out there doing that!
It is time to employ modern cable systems and get rid of single core cables running in galvanised steel conduit. It is a great contradiction to boast about all the mega projects, biggest, longest, tallest etc. when behind the glittering facades, ancient technology in electrical works still prevails. It is absolutely imperative that construction companies employ first rate site supervisors. In my experience over the last decade and more, is that site supervisors and project managers are sloppy, underqualified and overpaid. The labour forces employed in this country are of limited qualification and require good supervision to get a job done well. Quality has to start at the top, and be followed all the way down to the screwdriver! BARRY
RE: ARE YOU LEEDING THE INDUSTRY ON?
Being a UAE resident myself, I can’t get my head around this report. All talk of recoveries and recruiting is still very much on paper – how can any of us believe this until we start seeing new projects and new jobs becoming available?
Besides a handful of major consultants who employ a specialist environmental engineer, we found the vast majority of UAE contractors and developers have no interest in “green” products. The overwhelming response is “We don’t give a damn about the environment, what is the lowest price?” In the Gulf, environment will play second fiddle to immediate profit concerns for some time to come.
AJITH PUTHIYA PURAYIL
P LONSDALE
RE: DEMOLITION PROJECTS ENDANGERING PUBLIC HEALTH
to maintain and preserve what they have.
MICHAEL MOORE
ANTOINE PAULUS
Finally, someone has raised the alarm over the hazards of some of the older building materials (some of which are still being used even now) and the presence of such dangers which have been overlooked for so many years. Most cities in the region are in such a rush to build more that they have forgotten how
After watching as thousands breathed poisonous dust from the Dubai Hilton demolition this year, I was horrified – it showed a complete lack of concern for all the people breathing in this poison, the only concern was for costsavings...it costs money to demolish correctly!
RE: UAE CONSTRUCTION RECRUITMENT ON THE INCREASE
IAN
RE: FAULTY ELECTRIC CIRCUITS CAUSED IMPZ FIRE
WRITE TO THE EDITOR Please address your letters to: Post, Construction Week, PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE or email editor@ConstructionWeekOnline.com. Please provide your full name and address, stating clearly if you do not wish us to print them. Alternatively log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com and air your views on any one of a number of the latest Middle East business articles. The opinions expressed in this section are of particular individuals and are in no way a reflection of the publisher’s views.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
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FRONT
>Bahrain’s contractors are suffering
9
>Topical images with the latest news
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>News from CW Dubai Conference 2009
12
>Events
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>News analysis: turning backs on Brazilian billions
16
ER
WINN
IT TOOK 4000 WORKERS, 35,000 TONNES OF CONCRETE AND 12,370 TONNES OF STEEL TO CREATE THE FERRARI WORLD STRUCTURE.
WEEK OF MILESTONES FOR ALDAR’S YAS ISLAND Matt Warnock
In addition to seeing its new, purposebuilt race track host its very first F1 Grand Prix, Aldar last week also completed the external structure on Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – set to be the world’s largest indoor theme park upon completion. “It’s a true milestone, achieved in just 14 months,” said chief commercial officer Mohammed Al Mubarak. “The roof is in signature Ferrari red, inspired by the classic double curve profile of the Ferrari GT and covering 200,000m², including the largest ‘Scuderia Ferrari’ prancing horse logo anywhere in the world. “I’d like to thank not only Aldar, the contractor Besix and architects Benoy, but also the 4000 workers who worked day and night on it – it’s a fantastic achievement.” Aldar went on to reveal that 35,000 tonnes of concrete, 12,370 tonnes of steel, 29,000m² of façade glazing and 165,000m² of roof cladding had been used to create the external structure.
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“For me, this has been emotional,” said Ferrari VP Piero Ferrari. “It’s the development of a dream, which all started with the passion of my father in 1929. “I want to congratulate Aldar on the huge job they’ve done in delivering the Ferrari World structure, as well as developing the circuit and the hotel.” Neither Ferrari nor Al Mubarak would reveal the total investment involved in Ferrari World – “Once completed, we’ll share that figure with everybody,” said Al Mubarak – but the Aldar CCO did confirm that the theme park would open in the second half of 2010, along with 24 rides and attractions. Surprisingly, both Ferrari and Aldar also revealed that the completion of the theme park was unlikely to mark the end of their relationship. “There is a massive possibility that Aldar will work with Ferrari on future ventures
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
in Abu Dhabi, perhaps residential or commercial,” said Al Mubarak. “We’re still in initial talks – very early stages – and we’ll tell you more once there’s something more concrete to report. Housing is a big possibility. We’d like to look at Ferrari branded villas in Abu Dhabi.” Ferrari added: “We’re developing Ferrari stores too – we just opened the largest in Dubai yesterday – but we’re working with Aldar to see if there are any new possibilities. We’re looking only for top quality projects.” Asked why the supercar marque chose Abu Dhabi for its first theme park, the Ferrari VP replied: “For a long time, we spoke about Ferrari with various parties, but Abu Dhabi was the first place to show a real, serious commitment to investing in and developing the Ferrari brand.” Al Mubarak concluded: “Sometimes big projects just start by chance. For Aldar and Ferrari, you might say it was love at first sight!”
FRONT BAHRAINI CONTRACTORS ARE SUFFERING By Benjamin Millington ADAM JAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Bahrain’s contractors are under extreme contracting operations due to a pressure and being forced to slash staff lack of work. numbers due to the economic crisis said Nass Nass declined to comment but Group managing director Samir Nass. didn’t rule it out. Speaking exclusively to Construction Week, “When you have a slowdown Nass said the entire industry is being forced like this there is always a change to downsize because there is little construcof faces with new players coming in tion work available in the Kingdom. and others going out, but I cannot “There has been a huge slowdown. A lot specify names,” he said. “Contracting is a very volatile busiof ongoing projects are coming to an end, ness and there is no guarantee of others are slowing down and few projects continuity which means that some are coming forward. Things are very difpeople will have to reduce their staff ficult for everybody right now.” He added that cement consumpuntil they get a new project. “We have decided to be more tion in Bahrain had recently dropped aggressive in the current climate by 25-30% which indicated a “severe construction slowdown”. to maintain a certain level of turnThe Nass Group is one of the largest cement over in construction.” manufacturers in Bahrain as well as the big- THE PACE OF WORK HAS SLOWED DOWN Nass said the company was looking gest contractor in the kingdom. In April, Nass DRAMATICALLY IN THE KINGDOM. at “a few projects” but would not had a workforce of some 12,000, but numbers reveal any details at this stage. He have since been significantly reduced, he said. said several government funded infrastructure projects and Meanwhile industry insiders claim that two other big low cost housing developments would hopefully provide local firms are considering suspending their large-scale some stimulus to the construction industry in 2010.
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FRONT NEWS IN PICS LEFT: A mixed week for Dubai Properties Group: on the positive side, it named Mohammed Bin Essa as the latest project director for its 5.11 million m2 Tiger Woods Dubai golf community, after Abdulla Al Gurg left to become group GM of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. Bin Essa was previously the GM for strategic business development and risk management at Majid Al Futtaim Properties before being appointed director of operations for Dubailand, a position in which he will continue. However, the chairman of the state-owned developer was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement. Dubai attorney general Essam Essa al Humaidan said Hashim Al Dabal (pictured: left middle) was arrested ten days ago and is now being interrogated at a detention centre. “We are questioning him almost daily and Mr. Al Dabal indicated he is ready to answer questions without having a lawyer present,” said Al Humaidan. “We’re still trying to determine the extent of Al Dabal’s misconduct. When the investigation is complete, all details will be announced.” LEFT BELOW : The US $2.65 billion (BHD1 billion) Uptown Bahrain development has been shelved indefinitely and may never be built, according to a senior source at Fortune Investment House (FIH). The proposed megaproject was due to start construction in the first quarter of 2009 but there has since been no activity on-site and no comment from the developer. “It’s purely an investment decision, it was a huge project and it just didn’t stack up in the current market,” said FIH head of private equity Adil Chikhi. “We’ll probably have another look at it in a year or so but there are no guarantees either way that the project will go ahead in the future. It all depends on market conditions.” BELOW: A fortnight ago, a fire gutted three floors of a 29-storey building under construction in Sharjah. Sharjah Civil Defence reported that the blaze, which began at 10pm, took around three hours to extinguish. “A large quantity of wood and construction material… caused the heavy smoke. Residents from the same area were asked to evacuate because we had to ensure the safety of children, [as] the heavy smoke could have caused them to suffocate,” said Sharjah Civil Defence director general Colonel Waheed Al Serkal. The accident is the second to recently affect a construction site in Sharjah with an under-construction car park in Abu Shagara collapsing two weeks ago.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK CONFERENCE DUBAI EXCLUSIVE: GTCC VIES FOR MASSIVE SAUDI TENDERS By Benjamin Millington Gulf Technical Construction Company Financial District (KAFD) which (GTCC), the civil contracting subsidiary is currently under construction of Drake and Scull International (DSI), alongside King Fahd Highway in is competing for three huge construction central Riyadh. tenders in Saudi Arabia, according to its Meanwhile, Muradweji said GTCC executive director Saleh Muradweji. is also bidding for two large governSpeaking on the sidelines of the ment-funded education facilities Construction Week Dubai conference, - the King Abdulaziz Centre for Muradweji said GTCC was forming a joint Knowledge and Culture in Damventure with Saudi Oger to bid for conmam and the King Abdullah Petrostruction of the 400m-tall Capital Market leum Studies and Research Centre Authority (CMA) tower in Riyadh. in Riyadh. Both projects are being managed by Saudi Aramco. “We were approached by Saudi Oger to form a joint venture and bring our ww He said it was the first time technical expertise in high rise construcAramco had invited international tion to the table,” he said. companies to bid for its projects “Now we are one of two or three and they were among three or pre-qualified contractors, including SALEH MURADWEJI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, four pre-qualified contractors in the running. Saudi Binladin, currently tendering DRAKE AND SCULL INTERNATIONAL. The King Abdulaziz Centre for for the job which closes at the end of November.” Knowledge and Culture will consist of several roundThe tower is being developed by CMA and will be the shaped iconic buildings designed by Norwegian architects tallest in the US $10 billion (SR 37.5 billion) King Abdullah Snohetta, a firm which specialises in cultural projects.
CONSTRUCTION WEEK CONFERENCE DUBAI HEAVYWEIGHTS CALL FOR UAE-WIDE HSE STANDARDS
HIGHLIGHTS
By Matt Warnock
HARDSHIP PACKAGES FOR TOP TALENT HR director Rhyan Anderson announced Halcrow was looking at reinstating ‘hardship’ allowances to attract top talent back to the Gulf. She said redundancies had made markets such as Dubai unattractive to expat talent. “People are uncertain about coming back over to the Gulf. They’ve had the experience of having to pay 12 months’ rent in advance. They know that because of employment law, they’re exposed to more risk. We expect to have to go back to hardship allowances and finding creative packages.”
Several of the biggest names in the GCC construction industry have called for health and safety rules to cover the enture UAE. In a panel discussion at the Construction Week Dubai Conference, Dutco Balfour Beatty GM Grahame McCaig said: “We certainly see HSE as an investment and not a cost, but I wonder whether everyone sees it that way.” Sixco GM Philippe Dessoy, however, claimed that HSE levels were rising across the United Arab Emirates. “We’re not looking to cut into safety budgets – a healthy, safe, happy site is more productive. With the slowdown, there’s more time for training sessions, and less newcomers. So, it’s a chance for HSE to improve.” That argument was seconded by Arabtec CEO Tom Barry. “We don’t take safety lightly,” said Barry. “It’d be sad if smaller contractors see safety as an area in which to cut costs. As Philippe said, we’re focusing on the continual training of our current labour force.” Barry also congratulated Build Safe UAE on the job it was doing in highlighting the importance of health and safety on site. “I hope that Build Safe UAE, along with Dubai Municipality, for example, takes up the opportunity to implement a safety regime for the UAE. We want a safer, cleaner industry.” McCaig, also the chairperson of Build Safe UAE, responded: “We try hard to educate but I want to reemphasise that BuildSafe is not a legislative body. That has to come from government.” “It’d be great to see a UAE standard – for the whole country to set a benchmark.”
RAISING PROFILE IS KEY TO SUCCESS To face market conditions, raise your business profile, Drake and Scull (DSI) GM and director of MEP Charles Leaver told delegates. “Business should show what they are capable of. Brag about prestigious projects, that’s what we do. People need to show other clients what they can bring to a project,” he said.
SPOTTED ANI RAY, COUNTRY DIRECTOR, SIMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURE
FABIO CASTELLO, GENERAL MANAGER, SCANIA
JAMES PRINGLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT TDIC
NEIL KIRKPATRICK, HEAD OF ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, ROYAL GROUP
NIGEL TRUSCOTT, PARTNER, TROWERS & HAMLINS PAUL TAYLOR, COUNTRY MANAGER & HEAD OF CONSTRUCTION, HBJ GATELEY
PHILIPPE DESSOY, GENERAL MANAGER, SIX CONSTRUCT
DIFC IDEAL FOR ARBITRATION By Benjamin Millington UAE contractors should consider naming Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) the seat of jurisdiction when drafting contractual agreements, according to Al Tamimi & Company’s Omar Al-Saadoon. He said the DIFC’s free zone status allows it to have its own arbitration law and court, making it an ideal alternative to local courts for dispute resolution. “The DIFC has its own London Chamber of International
Arbitration court where arbitration is based on quasi common law principles and judges, with common law backgrounds, come from jurisdictions such as Australia, UK and the US. “This means you can avoid some of the difficulties often faced in local courts when it comes to judges being inexperienced in technical terms and matters specific to construction law. “It’s particularly suited to companies in large scale proj-
RHYAN ANDERSON, HR DIRECTOR, HALCROW
OMAR AL-SAADOON, AL TAMIMI & CO.
ects or complicated contractual agreements. They don’t actually have to be based in DIFC itself, but they do need to give DIFC the power to preside over a dispute under the terms of the contract.”
TERRY JOHN-BAPTISTE, DIRECTOR FM, OMNIYAT ASSET MANAGEMENT
THOMAS BARRY, CEO, ARABTEC
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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EVENTS
Event: CID Awards 2009 Overview: This year’s CID Awards will celebrate the success of the Middle East design industry and demonstrate how the region’s sector can stand alongside its international peers. Date: November 15 Venue: Park Hyatt, Dubai Phone: +971 4 435 6133 Email: annie.chinoy@itp.com Website: www.constructionweekonline. com/cidawards Event: MEP Awards Overview: The MEP Awards 2009 is a platform for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing sector in the Gulf to recognise its achievements and to acknowledge the latest innovations, technology and processes that have helped drive down costs and ensure adherence to best-practice standards. Date: December 9 Venue: The Westin, Dubai Phone: +971 4 435 6133 Email: annie.chinoy@itp.com Website: www.constructionweekonline. com/mepawards
Event focus
CID AWARDS 2009 DATE: 15 NOVEMBER LOCATION: DUBAI PHONE: +971 4 435 6133 EMAIL: ANNIE.CHINOY@ITP.COM WEBSITE: WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE. COM/CIDAWARDS This year’s CID Awards will celebrate the success of the Middle East design industry and demonstrate how the region’s sector can stand alongside its international peers when it comes to ambition, imagination and quality of interior design. Presented by Al Aqili Furnishings, the Commercial Interior Design Awards will pay tribute to the projects, interior design firms and designers making their mark on the Middle East’s industry. Award categories include interior design of the year within the fields of retail, hospitality, leisure, office and the public sector; innovative lighting award; environmentally sustainable design of the year; and young interior designer of the year, among others.
Event: Build Smart 2009 Overview: Build Smart 2009 will present solutions, new technologies and best practice for improving efficiency and productivity during project development. But, the main focus at the event will be the official launch of new association, Building Smart Middle East. It will demonstrate that by establishing standards for the
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construction industry, Building Smart can facilitate improvements in profitability and sustainability in the region. Building Smart will eventually operate throughout the Middle East, as well as North Africa, as a not-for-profit organisation. Date: November 15-16 Venue: Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi Website: www.itp.net/events/buildsmart
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
Event: Construction Week North Africa Conference. Overview: This Construction Week conference will provide a firm basis for all interested parties to come together and share their experience of the economic renaissance in North Africa. Date: December 17 Venue: Semiramis Intercontinental, Cairo Phone: +971 4 435 6127 Email: oscar.wendel@itp.com Website: www.constructionweekonline. com/conferences Event: International Symposium on Architectural Membranes Overview: The workshop will address the theoretical bases for structural analysis necessary for computer implementation. Date: October 14-15 Venue: American University in Dubai Website: http://isam-dubai.web.officelive. com/about.aspx
Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Website: www.thebig5exhibition.com Event: The Big 5 PMV Overview: International exhibition for plant, machinery and vehicles. Date: November 23-26 Venue: Dubai International Exhibition Centre Phone: +971 4 332 9029 Website: www.big5pmv.com Event: Construct Libya 2009 Overview: Three-day construction fair Date: November 24-26 Venue: Tripoli International Fair Phone: +218 333 2255 Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Home and Life Style 2010 Date: March 2010 Venue: Oman International Exhibition Centre Phone: +968 24 512 100 Email: oiecoman@omantel.net.om Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition and Symposium 2010 Date: April 4-7, 2010 Venue: Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre Phone: +966 2 654 6384 Email: ace@acexpos.com Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Front Roof and Cladding 2010 Date: March 8-10, 2010 Venue: Expo Centre, Sharjah Website: www.eventseye.com Events: DWRW 2010 Overview: A trade show for doors, windows, roofs and walls, as well as cladding products, machinery and accessories. Date: March 8-10, 2010 Venue: Expo Centre Sharjah Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Saudi Building and Interiors Exhibition and Symposium Date: April 4-7, 2010 Venue: Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre
Event: Index 2009 Overview: Index is the Middle East’s largest contemporary interiors trade show. Now in its 19th year Index is established as the must-attend annual event for buyers and suppliers of the world’s finest interiors. Date: 14-17 November Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre Phone: +971 4 438 0355 Website: www.indexexhibition.com
Events: Saudi International Windows, Doors, Shutters, and Solar Exhibition 2010. Date: March 11-14, 2010 Venue: Riyadh Exhibition Centre Website: www.eventseye.com Phone: +966 2 654 6384
Event: The Big 5 Overview: Big 5 is the annual meeting place for all industry professionals. Over 58,000 key buyers and decision makers from the public and private sectors attended the 2008 event. Date: November 23-26
Events: Buildex Syria 2010 Overview: Building, tourism, construction and real estate expo. Date: May 12-16, 2010 Venue: Damascus International Fairground Website: www.eventseye.com
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ANALYSIS
BRAZIL’S PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA (L), RIO 2016 BID PRESIDENT CARLOS ARTHUR NUZMAN (C) AND BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL LEGEND PELE (R) CELEBRATE AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT RIO DE JANEIRO HAD WON THE BID TO HOST THE 2016 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES.
Why are construction companies turning their backs on Brazil’s billions? DESPITE A TERRITORY RIPE WITH OPPORTUNITIES IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND REAL ESTATE MOST GCC-BASED COMPANIES ARE NOT INTERESTED IN EXPLORING BRAZIL By Matt Warnock
The UK’s Office of Trade and Investment the planet just two years apart – which, (UKTI) recently advised all British firms experts calculate, means at least 80 new to look to South America in order to tap projects going up for grabs. into a multi-billion dollar boom that is In terms of the size of investment in stadiset to blast off; however, in spite of their ums, airports and transport systems alone, heavy involvement throughout the Middle between US $16 billion and $50 billion will East, most firms are choosing to ignore this be ploughed into Brazil, without accountpotential goldmine. ing for the numerous commercial, tourism Brazil has been and residential opportunities chosen to host the that World Cups and Olympi“BOTH BRAZIL AND FIFA World Cup ads always bring. More than MEXICO ARE TIPPED in 2014 and the Rio 600,000 visitors will flood to TO BECOME MAJOR Olympics in 2016 Brazil for the World Cup, with PLAYERS IN THE the Rio Olympics likely to – the biggest two WORLD ECONOMY IN sporting events on THE COMING YEARS” attract triple that number.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
And, according to two reports authored by Dmh Consultancy’s David Howell on behalf of UKTI, Mexico is hot on Brazil’s heels. “Both Brazil and Mexico are tipped to become major players in the world economy in the coming years, but the current lack of infrastructure is severely hindering economic growth. Both governments recognise this and have committed a combined total of nearly £300 billion [$490 billion] to this sector,” said Howell. “Quality infrastructure is a key component of a successful economy. With our expertise in the services required to build and operate
> For the latest analysis log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
Arab Emirates, will be setting up in Rio as “Our construction business in Canada is also focused on Public Private Partnership we speak? “We aren’t involved in Brazil at all and Projects, ie. helping us to win PPP projects have not hitherto seen it as a target market. for which we can secure long-term support The Middle East is where we’re focused,” services contracts and where we can also commented head of corporate communica- make equity investments,” said Denning. tions Giles Scott. If British companies operating in the MidCarillion, involved in mega-projects such as dle East are refusing to take advantage of Dubai’s Festival City and Motor City surely has all that Latino loot, then maybe the GCC’s the track record required for taking on large homegrown companies will be strengthendevelopments, as well as sports stadiums, as the ing their international portfolios? National Cricket Ground on the Caribbean’s “It does not impact Arabtec’s work and St Lucia demonstrates. Arabtec has no direct involvement or interest “We do have a joint venture construction in these markets,” said a spokesperson. business in the Middle East, but have no So, there’s a territory ripe for real estate ambition to grow this business outside the and infrastructure investment, with – in Middle East. Carillion has no interest in the form of the world’s two major sporting construction in Brazil or the US,” Caril- events – as close a guarantee of success and lion group corporate affairs director John liquidity as it’s possible to get and yet firms that have thrived in the GCC are reluctant Denning told Construction Week. “Carillion is very much focused on its strat- to get in on the act, even as JVs. Could it be egy of growing its support services business because they fear getting burnt? to enhance its position as the UK’s largest While many British firms made hay while support services company. We regard our the sun shined in the GCC, large numbers construction business in the UK as now find thema capability to support that growth selves at the “IT DOES NOT and also to support our Pubic Private mercy of a IMPACT ARABTEC’S Partnerships projects business. residential real WORK AND ARABTEC “Although construction is estate bubble HAS NO DIRECT that has well an important capability, UK INTEREST IN THESE MARKETS” and truly burst; construction contributes only the UK’s secabout 7% of the group’s profit. retary of state for business, innovation and skills, Lord Mandelson, has even had to step in. The subject of the non-payment of British construction firms was at the top of the agenda when Mandelson met with UAE interior minister of economy, Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri for the inaugural gathering of the UK and UAE Joint Economic and Trade Committee (Jetco), in London. Al Mansouri also raised the possibility of the UAE investing in British projects, such as port developer DP World considering a scheme in the Thames Gateway, and Emiratis being granted easier access to UK visas; but, one source close to the talks revealed that the UAE is also concerned that it currently buys $4billion more from the UK than flows in the opposite direction. Maybe if the Middle East’s design, engineering and materials experts were quicker to react to burgeoning opportunities overseas, LORD MANDELSON HAS HAD TO STEP IN TO NEGOTIATE PAYMENT FOR BRITISH CONSTRUCTION FIRMS. that figure would be more equal.
PETER MACDIARMID/GETTY IMAGES
infrastructure, UK companies can play an important role in the successful implementation of Brazil and Mexico’s plans. “Rapid growth within the construction sector coupled with a severe skills shortage in both Brazil and Mexico means that opportunities for UK companies are plentiful – for project managers, planners, architects, engineers and finance specialists.” The reports go on to highlight the importance that BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) will play in the coming years. “In difficult times for the global economy, it’s vital that UK firms seek out opportunities where they exist with an eye to future growth. UKTI’s research has identified Brazil and Mexico as being among the most exciting places to invest, not just for construction but across the board,” added UKTI chief executive Andrew Cahn. It’s almost impossible to name a major Middle East project that has not benefited from British experience or know-how at some point in the architectural, engineering, financial, legal or management process; given how quickly British firms jumped on the real estate and infrastructure explosion across the GCC, you would then expect them to be tripping over themselves to take advantage of the Latin American boom too. Interserve, for example, which also has operations in Oman, Qatar and the United
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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Alumil Gulf fzc subsidiary of ALUMIL in the Middle East
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FACE-TO-FACE SPEAKING OUT
HABIB MIKATI
GRAHAME MCCAIG
Ejar Cranes and Equipment technical manager
Dutco Balfour Beatty general manager
WHAT DID YOU ACHIEVE FROM THIS YEAR’S CONSTRUCTION WEEK DUBAI CONFERENCE? We are a new company and we wanted to introduce ourselves to the contractors. We have one of the biggest and youngest fleets and we want to make ourselves known. Also, we spoke about the safety and training programmes that we have in place for labourers using our equipment. It has to address problem solving. The dream is over and we should face reality.
ER
WINN
Hopefully the various participants and disciplines of the construction Industry acknowledged that everyone has been affected by the downturn. The construction Industry is not just about contractors - it’s about a complex heirarchy of consultants, clients, subcontractors and project managers as well. We need to foster better relationships at all levels and have a common focus - to ensure the ultimate success of a project for all parties.
WHAT DID YOU SPEAK ABOUT AT THE CONFERENCE? We talked about how companies should be ready to take what they gained from their previous experience and carry it over to new locations. In addition, we talked about the companies who will financially sustain during this tough period.
I acted as the chairman of the conference. I wanted people to acknowledge the issues and the causes of the chaos, but at the same time to focus on the future and areas where we should be looking to change so that we don’t experience these impacts again.
WHAT MESSAGE DID YOU HOPE TO GET ACROSS TO DELEGATES? The construction industry had seen similar crises before. It happened in the 1980’s and mid 1990’s of the previous century. We hope, like before, it will pick up again.
In times of good we need to prepare for times of struggle. We need to get back to basics, revisit the principles of teamwork and synergy and acknowledge that they are relevant to the construction Industry.
WHAT WERE THE GENERAL THEMES OF THE CONFERENCE? Financials dominated technical discussions but also covered availability of equipment, the boom of Oil and Power projects and the construction industry in Abu Dhabi. In addition, it addressed problem solving. Instead of addressing the construction boom and shortage of equipment it addressed issues like funding, accurate and intelligent bidding and exploring new markets.
The construction Industry has been hard hit by the economic downturn and I’m sure most of the delegates looked for ideas and strategies on how to deal with the impact of the downturn. Hopefully many of them came with an open mind to discuss and agree positive ways of moving forward.
HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS WE HEAD TO 2010? I am very optimistic. In fact, I think that when the third quarter of 2010 comes around we will all be busy and smiling for years to come.
Unfortunately there is an old saying that construction is the first industry to enter a recession and the last to leave it. I think 2010 will be another tough year for construction in general.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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COMMENT > For the latest news and comments log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/comment
Price escalation in Qatar CHANDANA JAYALATH DISCUSSES WHAT TO DO WHEN FACED WITH PRICE ESCALATION IN QATAR
The majority of contractors in Qatar have been locked into lumpsum fixed-priced contracts where there is no provision for price escalation. Open market vacillations are a risk to the contractors, even in contracts having long durations. But a surge in material costs has considerably affected the bottom line where profit margins are not as high as they once were. For example, in Qatar, during the last ten months steel prices went up by an average of 65%, Red Meranti timber by 70% and asphalt by 40%. As a result, contractors have been searching for recovery means through claims on their own basis. Many contractors use consumer price index (CPI) as the basis for claims although the purpose of the index is far different. However, contractors will have a difficult, if not impossible task in getting respite from such increases. Even if the contract has become economically burdensome, it is unlikely to be sufficient to excuse performance. The only way to get rid of this issue is to compensate the additional cost on an ex-gratia basis in existing contracts and share the risk on a contractual basis in future contracts. The aim behind any strategy should be to reasonably reimburse the contractor for changes in input prices over which they have no control at all. This means the contractor can be eligible if he could not foresee in advance. On the other hand, it may be cheaper in the long run for the employer to pay for what happened rather than what the contractor thought might happen in those areas of doubt, which the contractor cannot influence. The benefit of the doubt would then be passed on to the employer. Albeit contract provisions do not provide for claims that are not capable of being contractually supported, the employer may well be in a position to consider them at corporate level since it is a macro economic global crisis that has been unprecedented. The foregoing is not only limited to contractors; consultants also face a similar situ-
ation in their contracts. PSA which stands for professional services agreement has been extensively adopted in the procurement of consultancy services in public infrastructure projects in Qatar, although it is relatively an old version that goes far back to 1984. Typically, the contracts for professional services, be them design or supervision, include a project brief prepared by the employer describing what he intends to obtain or the scope of service. In addition to the project brief, there are three separate schedules forming part of many consultancy contracts in Qatar. A clause in schedule B of the memorandum of agreement states that “should there be any extension to the contract period, the consultant must continue the services at the same monthly rates and prices” so that it expressly forbids any fee adjustment in the contract and shall pass the pricing risk onto the consultants for an indefinite period of extension. It further contradicts the clauses 7.6 and 7.7 of the PSA which says that “service during longer periods shall be deemed to involve additional services” and “the government and the consultants shall agree any additional or reduced fees prior to beginning any additional or changed services”. This provides an opportunity to agree on new rates for longer periods than shown in schedule C in the contract. Optionally, the engineer may treat each case individually by recommending compatible rates. A consistent criteria is important, particularly when the professional service market is so volatile in nature that prediction on the fee structures for longer periods is hard, requests for the period is beyond the original completion date, reasons for extension is no fault of the consultant and when uninterrupted service is critical to finish. In these circumstances, a ‘reasonable’ compensation within a ‘contractual’ framework is imperative for the well-being of the industry as a whole.
“REASONABLE COMPENSATION WITHIN A CONTRACTUAL FRAMEWORK IS IMPERATIVE FOR THE WELL BEING OF THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE”
Dr Chandana Jayalath is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a senior contracts specialist for the Public Works Authority (PWA) in Qatar. His latest industrial exposure has been sidelined in the settlement of various commercial and contractual issues, claims and disputes arising in the infrastructure projects spearheaded by the PWA.
The opinions expressed in this column are of the author and not of the publisher.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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Achieving benefits of partnering with NEC3 LUC BAUWMANS SUGGESTS HOW THE NEC3 FAMILY OF CONTRACTS COULD HELP NAVIGATE THE DOWNTURN Partnering in construction is still the subject of much debate. The simplest form of partnering occurs when two parties to a contract have aligned some of their objectives for a project. Lately more complex forms have emerged such as multi-party arrangements of single contracts on a project. Besides public-private partnerships (PPP), most partnering approaches to construction contracting have been tentative, and at best, of a tactical nature. In March 2009 Reuters Dubai reported that in UAE, US $263 billion of real estate projects had been postponed. Many client organisations have since reissued invitations to bid; contriving more favourable offers from contractors who in turn, continue to squeeze down the supply chain. About partnering contracts Partnering between a supplier and a customer has always appealed, taking on many forms. In a supply driven market the main beneficiary of a partnering arrangement is generally the client. Here partnering aims to curb uncontrolled price hikes from overbusy, finicky contractors and suppliers, and ensure preference of supply. But unless a long-term payback is clear, contractors won’t settle for limiting their profit potential over a promise for continued work. But in a demand driven market the clients will not see immediate benefits from partnering, as it is seen to blunt competitive pricing. But contractors will prefer this for this exact reason. A milestone on the road to partnering was the report “Constructing the Team” by Sir Michael Latham in the UK in 1994. Sir Latham’s report made some 30 recommendations towards a well designed partnering approach along the whole supply chain. It also recommended the use of the new engineering contract (NEC) as a preferred vehicle for construction projects in the UK. It contained suggested improvements to NEC, which the NEC panel took
to heart, producing the NEC 2nd edition by 1995. It included the engineering and construction contract (ECC), the engineering and construction short contract (ECSC), the engineering and construction subcontract (ECS), the professional services contract (PSC) and the adjudicator contract (AC). Later, a multi-partner option, now known as secondary option X12 was added that, if selected, created a contractual obligation between partners to achieve client objectives, coupled with shared and interdependent incentives, managed by a core group. But, the NEC2 remained mostly tactical in nature and partnering was focused on multiple suppliers of the same project. The release of NEC3 in 2005 hushed many a criticism of NEC. The right grouping of NEC3 documents bundled together with the X12 could be used to structure a strategic multi-partnering setup, for cradle-to-grave management of a facility. In order to grasp the power of such a tool as a behaviour driver, simply imagine a design consultant, a construction contractor and a term services contractor sharing incentives on a chemical process plant project. Framework contracting Framework contracting is still in its infancy stages, pioneered the last 10 or 15 years mostly by public authorities in Europe seeking quick access to suppliers. A framework contract is an umbrella agreement that lays down the rules of co-operation but does not scope the individual work packages required under it. That is done by separate single contracts issued under the framework. A degree of competitiveness is maintained, as one or more preselected suppliers can bid, under specified conditions, for supply of an item of work. The NEC3 framework contract can be used for mega projects (related projects) or portfolios of projects (unrelated). It may cover consulting, construction or other work, through the use of various other appropriate NEC3 stand-alone forms.
“IN A SUPPLY DRIVEN MARKET THE MAIN BENEFICIARY OF A PARTNERING ARRANGEMENT IS GENERALLY THE CLIENT”
Luc Bauwmans is the vice president for Sukad. He has a Masters degree in Architecture from Belgium and has practiced and lectured architecture and interior design in South Africa. He has also managed projects in the construction, energy, commercial and public sectors. Since 1999 he researches project management related topics and teaches a multitude of clients in Africa, UK and Middle East.
The opinions expressed in this column are of the author and not of the publisher.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK AWARDS 2009 WOODS BAGOT WINS TOP HONOUR AT CONSTRUCTION WEEK AWARDS 2009 By CW staff Australian architectural and design firm Woods Bagot has picked up the top honour at the 2009 Construction Week Awards held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai last week. Wood Bagot was awarded the Supreme Judges Award for its work on the Qatar Science and Technology Park in Doha. The unique roof structure of the main building at the Park has been designed by Woods Bagot and was considered an environment-friendly and sustainable option to provide respite from the desert sun. The design firm last year also won the contract to design the world’s tallest skyscraper – the 1km-tall Nakheel Harbour and tower in Dubai. The annual Construction Week Awards, now in its fifth year running, is the industry’s leading awards recognising industry best practice across several sectors which include, contractors, developers and engineers and architects. The award for the contractor of the year was picked up by Alec for its work on Majid Al Futtaim’s Mirdif City Centre project in Dubai. Aldar won the developer of the year award for work on its Yas Island while Ramboll bagged the top spot for the engineering company of the year award. This year’s awards also included people awards where Dutco Balfour general manager Grahame McCaig walked away with the prize for the hotly contested Health and Safety manager of the year. GTCC’s Moustafa Hassan picked
NICOLE FARRAH AND MARK MITCHESON-LOW, REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR, WOODS BAGOT COLLECTING THE SUPREME JUDGES AWARD.
up the project manager for the year award for his work on the Royal Amwaj Hotel project on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai while Al Jaber Heavy Lift and Equipment’s Assim Hajjar won PMV manager of the year. Other winners included Carillion Mena for corporate social responsibility, Wade Adams for research and development and Al Futtaim Carillion for the newly instated Construction Week Build Safe award for best practice. Projects that won awards were the Burj Dubai for best tower project, Ferrari Experience in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi for commercial project of the year, Al Reef, also in Abu Dhabi for best residential project and Interchange 5.5, better known as the Jumeirah Lake Towers interchange for infrastructure project of the year.
PROJECT AWARDS 2009
ABDULLA BIN LAHEJ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DUBAI PROJECT MANAGMENT, EMAAR TOWER PROJECT OF THE YEAR
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PHILIPPE DESSOY GENERAL MANAGER, SIX CONSTRUCT COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
FAYZA AL ZARROUNI CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER AL REEF ABU DHABI RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
DUTCO BALFOUR BEATTY INTERCHANGE 5.5 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
CONSTRUCTION WEEK AWARDS 2009 PEOPLE’S AWARDS 2009 GRAHAME MCCAIG DUTCO BALFOUR BEATTY HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER OF THE YEAR
MOUSTAFA HASSAN GTCC PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
ASSIM HAJJAR AL JABER HEAVY LIFT AND EQUIPMENT PMV MANAGER OF THE YEAR
COMPANY AWARDS 2009
MATTHEW SOUTHWELL, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR, ITP BUSINESS ACCEPTS AWARD ON BEHALF OF ALDAR DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR
KEZ TAYLOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, ALEC CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
BEN LEGG CARILLION MENA PEYMAN MOHAJER BUILD SAFE UAE AWARD FOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, RAMBOLL, BEST PRACTICE ENGINEERING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
BEN LEGG, KATHRYN MAYES CARILLION MENA CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE YEAR
NICOLAS TANDELES, ABDUL NAZER WADE ADAMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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THE FINAL
ST RO K E JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. CW FINDS OUT HOW LEISURECORP HAVE TRANSFORMED DESERT INTO A CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE By James Boley; Photos by Efraim Evidor
I
t’s not long now before the eyes of the world descend on Jumeirah Golf Estates. (JGE) November will see golf’s Race to Dubai reach its final conclusion with the Dubai World Championship held at the estate, located on Emirates Road in Dubai. Leisurecorp is understandably buoyant about the event’s prospects. Both the Fire and Earth courses have, in fact, been ready for around a year now. However, the future of the development may differ from the original plans set forth. When announced in 2007, JGE was supposed to have courses representing the four different elements – earth, fire, wind and water. The Greg Norman-designed Earth and Fire courses are ready, but the Wind and Water courses appear to have been shelved for the foreseeable future. “Wind and Water are still part of the long-term plan, but we’re evaluating when we’ll begin on those, according to market conditions,” says Leisurecorp sports events director Colin Smith. “We haven’t started selling on those projects yet.” The courses also had active involvement from Greg Norman right from their inception. The former champion golfer and designer was at JGE as recently as May this year, making minor changes to the overall course.
ESTATE OF PLAY In addition to the courses, the ‘estates’ part of the development is progressing, with 2010 looking to be the year of delivery. The development is split into ‘streets’, essentially clusters of villas based around certain themes, with enigmatic sounding names, such as Whispering Pines and Fireside. The developers are a mix of subdevelopers and Nakheel Leisure, which is developing five of the ‘streets’. Smith says some subdevelopers are expected to hand over in the first half of 2010. The majority of properties on Fire and Earth have now been sold, with Smith estimating around 90% of the villas having been purchased. “We’ll be releasing more proper-
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
“WIND AND WATER ARE STILL PART OF THE LONG-TERM PLAN, BUT WE’RE EVALUATING WHEN WE’LL BEGIN ON THOSE, ACCORDING TO MARKET CONDITIONS”
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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“WE’D HAVE LIKED TO HAVE HAD THE MAIN CLUB HOUSE READY BUT I DON’T THINK PEOPLE WILL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE, IN TERMS OF EXPERIENCE”
LEISURECORP SPORTS EVENTS DIRECTOR COLIN SMITH.
LEISURECORP EXPECTS THE CLUB HOUSE TO BE READY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2010.
JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES – PROJECT DATA SHEET: CLIENT
Leisurecorp – A division of Nakheel Leisure
CONSULTANT
Mott MacDonald
PROJECT MANAGER/MANAGEMENT CONTRACTOR
Mott MacDonald
MAIN CONTRACTORS
Laing O’Rourke – Clubhouse, Tennis Academy & Whispering Pines ANC – Fireside and Flame Tree Ridge Districts Khansaheb – Golf Course Ascon Roads – Underground Pipeworks and Roads Al Buraq – Electrical and Telecoms Desert Landscape - Landscaping
ADDITIONAL CONTRACTORS
Hennessey (Agronomy Centre, Boundary Walls and Pools)
ARCHITECTS
Rice Perry Ellis – Clubhouse, Tennis Academy & Whispering Pines Godwin Austin Johnson – Fireside and Flame Tree Ridge Districts
PLANT CONTRACTORS
Various
MATERIALS SUPPLIERS
Various
M&E CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Rice Perry Ellis – Clubhouse, Tennis Academy & Whispering Pines AMCDE – Fireside & Flame Tree Ridge Districts
MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
Crownhouse Technologies – Clubhouse, Tennis Academy & Whispering Pines MacAir – Fireside & Flame Tree Ridge Districts
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Crownhouse Technologies – Clubhouse, Tennis Academy & Whispering Pines MacAir – Fireside & Flame Tree Ridge Districts
PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
Crownhouse Technologies – Clubhouse, Tennis Academy & Whispering Pines MacAir – Fireside & Flame Tree Ridge Districts
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
ties in the future, but right now the priority is delivery,” he says. Perhaps surprisingly, the clubhouse will not be ready in time for the tournament and is in fact at least another six months away from completion. During CW’s visit it was clear that work was taking place on the building, with the exterior decking currently undergoing varnishing. Smith says that the clubhouse was likely to be finished in the second half of 2010. Therefore, preparations for the tournament have had to find temporary construction solutions in order to ensure spectators and players are adequately catered for. As a result, UK firm GL Events Owen Brown have been contracted to provide a temporary clubhouse and media centre for the tournament. The firm is providing a complete turnkey solution which has also resulted in the unusual sight (for the GCC) of British construction labourers working to ensure the facilities are ready in time. RIM Scaffolding is also currently working on site, having previously provided temporary scaffolding for the Abu Dhabi Golf Classic in 2008. DWC tournament director Colin Smith is upbeat about the lack of a dedicated clubhouse. “It’s a temporary structure but it has everything we need for the tournament so it doesn’t lesson the experience. Of course, we’d have liked to have had the main club house ready but I don’t think people will notice the difference, in terms of experience,” he says. He explains the delay for the clubhouse is a result of focusing on ensuring the courses are delivered on time. The media centre is a particular point of pride for Leisurecorp. Unlike many media centres at golf courses, journalists will be housed directly on the 18th hole with a clear view of all the action. One thing that does impress about the course is how well the landscaping work has been done. Looking down the 17th hole, it’s hard to believe that a short distance away
is the dust and noise of Emirates Road. The course does indeed ‘feel’ like it has been there for some time. “The consistent high temperatures are conducive for growing turfgrass. The advanced construction schedule for the Earth course has also enabled us to benefit from two full growing seasons before the tournament begins,” says Leisurecorp senior agronomy manager Hamish McKendrick. “These are grasses which are perfectly suited to the Dubai climate. Couple the grass types with the high sand content, soil temperatures and an advanced irrigation system and you have the perfect conditions for a golf
“WE’VE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO RESCUE A LARGE NUMBER OF MATURE TREES AND PLANTS FROM OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN DUBAI AND THIS IS GOING TO HELP GIVE A REAL FEEL OF AN ESTABLISHED COURSE”
TREES AND GREENERY HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS THEY SUIT THE DUBAI CLIMATE.
course. We’ve also been able to rescue a large number of mature trees and plants from other developments in Dubai and this is going to help give a real feel of an established course.” Some 3500 mature trees were relocated as part of the construction of Earth and Fire.
TIME FOR TEE Both courses are scheduled to open to members from December 1, although it’s the Earth course that’s stealing the limelight for the tournament. Richardson explains
why it was this course, rather Fire, which was selected. “It was collective decision by Greg Norman and the European tour. They decided earth was what they wanted to go for. Fire was three months behind, but has caught up,” he says. Nevertheless, both courses are now ready for action, and from the middle of next year, it’s hoped that the first residents will be able to move in. And with the eyes of the world watching, it will be interesting to see if Jumeirah Golf Estates can deliver.
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THE MASTER PLANS OF THE MIDDLE EAST ARE GOING GREEN IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE AS COMPANIES BEGIN TO INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS LANDSCAPING WAS ONCE ABOUT MAKING A PROJECT LOOK EYE-CATCHING BUT NOW PRIORITIES HAVE CHANGED AND CONTRACTORS HAVE TO CHOOSE SUSTAINABILITY OVER BEAUTY, AS CW DISCOVERS By Sarah Blackman
T
he Middle East is renowned for its five star resorts and picturesque hotels, but where would Downtown Burj Dubai be without its famous dancing fountain? Or Atlantis without the beach side promenades of The Palm Jumeirah? Mega-projects from theme parks to manmade islands depend on striking landscaping to attract business. And, whether developers and contractors choose to believe it or not, investing in sustainable landscaping both helps the environment and is proven to save money. The world around us is changing. Construction projects can no longer rely on picture perfect developments at the cost of
being unsustainable. Beauty is a priority but, right now, sustainability is an even greater one.
KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY When it comes to landscaping, what does it mean to be sustainable? “Sustainable landscaping basically is defined as landscaping that not only can be constructed cost efficiently, but can also be maintained and preserved efficiently as well,” explains Rafael Khanoyan director of Al Ryum General Contracting, a designer and manufacturer of landscape solutions. “In my opinion, this trend didn’t just start; rather it has developed and through technology, has improved. As a landscape contractor we are always trying to create cheaper, more efficient methods of construction, as well as using the ‘green’ approach, being
that we are environmentalists, not only by profession but by nature.” A specialist in master planning, landscape architecture, project management and irrigation engineering, Cracknell is one company which has several projects under its belt that take sustainable landscaping into account. “We have been working on Yas Island and with the Grand Prix recently taking place – this has been one of our key priorities,” says Cracknell associate Lee Allen. The Yas Marina Circuit undoubtedly looks green with its grass running around the track. But, behind the scenes, the company has planted foliage that is locally sourced and requires less water. “Planting has become more Middle Eastern,” adds Allen. “There has been a shift from the use of tropical plants, which were
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
31
KHALED TERMANINI/ITP IMAGES CRACKNELL ASSOCIATE LEE ALLEN.
DEVELOPERS ARE NOW USING PLANTS THAT CAN COPE WITH SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
popular in the past, to locally produced “Even concrete, with its very high CO2 emisplants as they thrive best in the region’s sion, will be rejected in the near future in tough weather conditions.” favour of carbon neutral ‘e-crete’, shortly to Contractors and developers are also lean- be produced in the UAE,” he predicts. ing toward softscape But, Nazneen Sabavala (plants and trees) director of Landscape “AS LONG AS THE design for 3 Square says: rather than hardPRODUCT QUALITY IS “Clients are not just askscape (tiles and NOT SACRIFICED, SOLAR granite) because of ing for softscaping but for IS BECOMING THE NEW TREND OF LIGHTING” outdoor enclosures.” cost savings. “Clients are choosShe also believes that ing schemes that are there is not a trend pleasant on the eye without having the costs towards sustainable landscaping, especially that previous landscape projects incurred,” adds within the private residential sector. “People say they want to be sustainable Khanoyan. Green Concepts Landscape Archi- but we find that when they are given plants, tects (GCLA) principal Geoff Sanderson which don’t require a lot of water, they don’t takes this further by saying that there is like the way they look,” she says. a trend towards using lower heat retain“If you want sustainable plants you have ing materials for hardscape elements. to go with those that hold a lot of water
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE Foilage that can cope with the Middle East climate GRASS:
Paspalum Bermuda
PALMS:
Phoenix dactylifera Washington robusta
TREES:
Delonix regia Azadirachta indica Acacia Ficus Conocarpus
32
SHRUBS:
Tecoma Allamanda cathartica Bougainvillea Hibiscus
GROUND COVERS:
Pennisetum Vitex Leucophyllum Alternenthera Ruellia Hymenocallis littorali
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
on their own. These tend to look dry and people don’t like them.”
IRRIGATION When it comes to large areas of land such as public parks, the argument whether to use recycled or non-recycled water has stirred up a lot of debate. On the one hand, the use of non-recycled water is not good for the environment, for obvious reasons, but the use of irrigated water can also have nasty consequences. “You have to be careful with treated sewage effluent (TSE) because sometimes there is a terrible smell that comes from it,” says Sabavala. “In general, grey and recycled water is a great idea to use on landscaping, but the waste water generated is generally not enough to meet the demand of irrigation.”
LEILA CRANSWICK/ITPIMAGES
DMITRY DOLZHANSKIY/ITP IMAGES
“WE MUST USE TSE AS IT CONTAINS BIOLOGICAL NUTRIENTS AND IS A SECOND USE OF THE EXPENSIVELY PRODUCED POTABLE WATER”
THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN IS A KEY PART OF THE BURJ DUBAI’S LANDSCAPE DESIGN.
GREEN CONCEPTS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS PRINCIPAL GEOFF SANDERSON.
GCLA recently came second amidst a very large number of entries from fellow consultants and academics in a world wide competition for sustainable cities. Its entry promoted use of edible plants in an effort to make more sense of the way we use irrigation water and the way we relate to species of animals, birds, fish and insects.
“We must use TSE as it is a second use of the expensively produced potable water,” advices Sanderson. “It contains some biological nutrients, although it must meet WHO standards before it can be used in public environments.” TSE is not suitable for water features as it sustains algae and it is not safe for swim-
ming pools or any place that could come into human contact. Khanoyan sees both sides of the debate: “Potable Water has some advantages over TSE. It does not have the high sodium levels that TSE does, which makes managing turf and plants more difficult and makes the mortality rate of the landscaping higher. Potable water also is a clean source of water that doesn’t have any toxic elements.” However, he adds that potable water is much more expensive than TSE and is not as environmentally friendly. “Water is scarce in some parts of the world and by treating and recycling water for different purposes helps preserve our most important resource.” Cracknell also has a preference towards TSE and, according to Allen, TSE can be obtained, processed and redistributed locally, for example, on site.
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mentally sensitive as well as good golfing experiences.”
LEILA CRANSWICK/ITPIMAGES
Due to the limited amount of water, particularly in the Middle East, can the number of golf courses being developed in the region really be sustainable? Khanoyan says yes: “The large amount of landscaping that goes into a golf course is appealing to the golfers, as well as people who just appreciate nature. They will be sustainable because not only will they be used by regular customers seeking different challenges, but professional golf associations will be searching for quality courses to hold events. This in turn will generate revenue and popularity where they are held.” Sanderson believes that golf courses are not sustainable if water used to keep them maintained is potable, or comes from aquifers. He also believes that if there are too few golfers using them to justify high maintenance costs and the high volume of nutrients used to keep the grass healthy, golf courses cannot be sustainable. However, he also adds: “Great golf course designers like Gary Player have created some amazing courses that are environ-
VITAL ELEMENTS When it comes to developing a sustainable project, the choice of lighting is also crucial. And, according to landscape experts, green has become the trend in this sector. “Clients are inquiring about solar technology and other methods of powering lighting naturally. As long as the product quality is not sacrificed, rather enhanced, solar is becoming the new trend of lighting,” states Khanoyan. There is also the debate over the use of natural versus composite decking. Composite decking tends to have a longer life-span but, according to Khanoyan, decking made from natural resources is much better. “Although it is very feasible to go with manufactured products, they do not give the natural feel of the real thing. The smell, texture, and feel of natural products creates a much nicer and more ‘real’ experience,” he says. But, Sanderson says: “Natural
SWIMMING POOLS ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF LANDSCAPE DESIGNS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
decking means rainforest hardwoods that are rightly losing popularity for environmental reasons.” There will always be an argument over the pros and cons of sustainable design. But, the Gulf is now starting to take a long, hard look in the mirror and spotting the damage beneath the surface of its impressive exterior. And, with new standards and regulations coming into place, it may not be long before non-sustainable products and services are gradually phased out.
LANDSCAPING COMPANIES TO KNOW CRACKNELL
AL RYUM GENERAL CONTRACTING
Cracknell was established in Dubai in January 1993 and in London in 1987. The company is an award winning business and offers master planning and urban design, landscape architecture, concept architecture, irrigation engineering, horticulture, project management and construction supervision. It is currently working on projects such as Yas Island, Abu Dhabi International Airport, sustainable housing in Abu Dhabi, Burj Dubai and Abu Dhabi Central Market.
Al Ryum General Contracting has six companies under its belt. Three companies are based in Abu Dhabi including Al Ryum Contracting, which specialises in construction, design and landscape solutions; Arco International, which offers landscape maintenance and maintains around 75% of Abu Dhabi; and Al Ryum Trading, which supplies a range of projects including sports surfaces and irrigation products. Dubai also has a landscape solutions provider (Arco General Contracting), as well as Arco Electromechanical and Arco Tech Trading.
Arabia, Sharjah Lagoons redevelopment and Al Masoudi Nature Park in Al Ain, which is due to start shortly.
EXOTICA Exotica provides services in the landscaping sector and since 1978 has planted more than 1000 gardens. Exotica has three departments including landscaping, irrigation and maintenance. Based in Lebanon, the company has several projects progressing around the region from small balconies and private gardens, to big commercial or public centres.
TERRAVERDE Terraverde is a professional landscape contracting company based in Dubai and is specialised in creating outdoor living spaces. This year, the company was awarded the honour ‘Landscaping Contractor of the Year’ for the implementation of innovative ways in landscaping maintenance, including the conservation of natural resources.
GCLA
3 SQUARE
GCLA is a global company made up of international designers including specialists in landscape architecture, horticulture, engineering, urban design and project management. GCLA is currently working on a housing development in Sharjah, Tunis Sports City, several smaller commercial and residential projects in Abu Dhabi and Saudi
Formed in 2006, 3 Square is a Dubaibased company specialising in interiors, but also deals with landscape designs and installations. Most of the company’s projects are private residential villas located in places such as Dubai Sports City. 3 Square also has a potential green roof project coming up, but details are being kept under wraps.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
35
www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/directory
§ § § § § DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY SHOWCASE | TENDERS | PROJECTS | SUPPLIERS | CITY UPDATE
38 SHOWCASE 40 TENDERS 41 PROJECTS SPECIALIST SERVICES 42 Building materials 43 Construction chemicals/concrete 44 Education & training/flooring 45 Recruitment/steel CITY UPDATE 46 Dubai, UAE
To advertise please call Shishir Desai +971 4 435 6375, or email shishir.desai@itp.com
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
37
¦SHOWCASE
To buy images within these pages please email itpimages@itp.com or visit itpimages.com
ITP IMAGES TO BUY IMAGES WITHIN THESE PAGES PLEASE EMAIL ITPIMAGES@ITP.COM OR VISIT WWW.ITPIMAGES.COM
ABOVE: In November 2006, Tameer Holding Investments announced plans for the development of the Princess Tower in Dubai. Three months later, the construction contract was awarded to Arabian Construction Company (ACC) and work began immediately. The development is due to be completed on July 8, 2011. RIGHT: Due to stand at 420m-high Princess Tower will be the tallest residential building in the world once completed. ACC has now reached the 58th floor and construction is contuning to progress on schedule. The project will stand at 100 stories once complete.
38
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
PRINCESS TOWER, DUBAI MARINA Photos by Efraim Evidor The US $190.58 million (AED 700 million) Princess Tower Project in Dubai Marina is a residential tower, which will consist of approximately 580 apartments. It has gymnasiums and swimming pools on levels five and six, and has six floors of car parking below ground and four above. The project looks over the Palm Jumeirah and the docks of the marina. The contract for the tower has increased by less than 3% in over two years despite the downturn as costs have been controlled by the use of Primavera construction software. The tower is expected to lose its crown as the world’s tallest tower in 2013 when the 129-storey Pentominium Tower is due to be completed. This project is also being built by ACC.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
39
To buy images within these pages please email itpimages@itp.com or visit itpimages.com
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ACC project manager Bill Parker says that on a tall structure such as the Princess Tower, the need to protect a building overrides the need for seismic provisions. At the base of the tower, concrete elements are 130cm-thick and the contractor is currently using 60cmthick concrete at level 57, ACC will reduce this thickness to 30cm by the 100th floor. The building perimeter is progressively becoming thinner, so that the floors below can handle the load. In order to combat logistical challenges the contractor has implemented systems such as Grocon’s jump form system, which reduces crane hoisting requirements for concrete structures.
TENDERS §
¦TENDERS FREE TENDERS AND SERVICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO INCLUDE YOUR TENDERS IN THIS SECTION EMAIL TENDER DETAILS TO EDITOR@CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM
Tender focus
SAUDI RAILWAY ORGANISATION Saudi Railway Organisation (SRO) manages all of the rail transport in Saudi Arabia, which provides a freight service on three main lines totalling 1018km. These tracks currently connect the region’s capital of Riyadh with the Eastern Province’s city of Damman. The firm, however, plans to expand this network by adding the Saudi Landbridge, a 945km line from Riyadh to Jeddah and a 115km line from Dammam to Jubail, and the Haramain High Speed Rail Project linking the Saudi’s two holy cities, Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah. Currently, there is a tender out for the consultancy contract for phase two of the Haramain High Speed Rail Project. This covers supplying rolling stock to the project, operations and maintenance services, as well as providing railway signalling and a communication system. SRO invited qualified consortiums including
To include your tenders in this section email tender details to editor@ConstructionWeekOnline.com
BAHRAIN Issuer: Electricity and Water Authority Tender No: 286/2009/4310 Description: Erection of crane platforms in transmission substations. Closes: November 18 Fees: BD15 Bond: BD500 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Issuer: Electricity and Water Authority Tender No: 283/2009/4130 Description: Supply, installation and commissioning of chimney lights for Riffa phase one and two. Closes: November 25 Fees: BD15 Bond: BD500 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.bh EGYPT Issuer: Chamber of Commerce in Assuit Description: Construction of the Chamber’s new residence. Closes: November 23 Fees: EP1000 Bond: EP150,000 Contact: Al Awqaf Buildings, Building No.5, Assuit OMAN Issuer: Ministry of Transport and Communication Tender No: 290/2009 Description: Pavement works for Thumrait Al Maziona Road Closes: November 9 Fees: OR900 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om Issuer: Ministry of Health Tender No: 294/2009 Description: Consultancy engineering services for the design and supervision of a new general hospital in Saham. Closes: November 16 Fees: OR125 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om
40
A TENDER IS OUT FOR PHASE TWO OF THE HARAMAIN RAIL PROJECT.
Saudi Binladin Group consortium, Badr consortium, Chinese consortium, Al Shoulah consortium and Al Rajhei consortium to submit proposals for the project.
Issuer: Oman Tender Board Tender No: 289/2009 Description: Construction of women’s association building in Shinas. Closes: November 16 Fees: OR225 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om Issuer: Petroleum Development Oman Tender No: C311132 Description: Engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of an integrated power station at Qarn Alam. Closes: November 21 Contact: www.pdotenders.com Issuer: Ministry of Health Tender No: 307/2009 Description: Construction of health centre at Musanah. Closes: December 7 Fees: OR375 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om QATAR Issuer: Public Works Authority Tender No: PWA/GTC/009/09-10 Description: Construction of trunk and internal sewers within Ain Khalid Area – phase 2. Closes: November 10 Fees: QR8000 Contact: Contract department, Public Works Authority Issuer: Public Works Authority Tender No: PWA/GTC/038/09-10 Description: The construction of the remaining part of Al Amir Road and a roundabout junction at the end of the road. Closes: November 10 Fees: QR2000 Contact: Contract Department, Public Works Authority Issuer: Public Works Authority Tender No: PWA/GTC/036/09-10 Description: Construction of a medical training centre, a car park, roads and all related service works. Closes: November 10
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
Fees: QR2000 Contact: Contract Department, Public Works Authority SAUDI ARABIA Issuer: Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu Tender No: PIC G-1679B Description: Procurement, testing, commissioning and construction of two mosques in Yanbu. Closes: November 15 Fees: SR1000 Contact: Director for Purchasing, Contracting Department, PO Box 30031, Madinat Yanbu Al Sinaiyah Issuer: Ministry of Finance Tender No: 1200 Description: Construction of a dual carriage way in Al Regei outlet. Closes: November 17 Fees: SR2000 Contact: www.mof.gov.sa
ONE TO WATCH Issuer: Saudi Railway Organisation Description: Consultancy contract for phase two of the Haramain High Speed Rail Project. Closes: February 2010 Project Value: US $2 billion Contact: +966 3 871 4000
UAE Issuer: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Tender No: CE/0409/2009 Description: Installation, testing and commissioning of 132KV cable laying works for 132/11KV substations and related works. Closes: November 15 Fees: AED5000 Contact: www.dewa.gov.ae > For more tenders check online at www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/tenders
ยฆPROJECTS
> For the latest projects information visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/projects
ยง PROJECTS
A SAUDI ARABIA DATABASE - BUILDING PROJECTS FOCUS TO LIST YOUR PROJECTS IN THIS COLUMN EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM
Project focus
JAMARAAT BRIDGE Construction of the Jamaraat Bridge in Mina, Saudi Arabia near Makkah began in 2006. The bridge was originally constructed in 1963 and has been expanded several times since then. The purpose of the bridge is to enable pilgrims to throw stones at the three Jamrah pillars, which extend up through openings in the bridge. The stoning is part of the Hajj ritual. Dar Al Handasah Consultants is the main consultant on the project, while Saudi Binladin Group is the main contractor. Seventy percent of the bridge is now completed and it is set to be fully operational during the Hajj season of 2010.
PROJECT TITLE
SEVENTY PERCENT OF THE BRIDGE IS NOW COMPLETED.
CLIENT
CONSULTANT
MAIN CONTRACTOR
VALUE (US$MN)
STATUS
KAYAN PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX AT JUBAIL - EP CRACKER PACKAGE
Sabic/Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company
Fluor Arabia
Kellogg Brown & Root
1200
ISO-OCTANE PLANT AT JUBAIL
Alujain Corporation/Noble Americas
In House
Not Appointed
550
SECOND ALUMINIUM SMELTER IN JIZAN ECONOMIC CITY
Saudi Binladin/MMC Corporation Berhad/Chalco
Not Appointed
Not Appointed
3000
project under study
TANTALUM AND NIOBIUM DEPOSITS AT GHURAYYAH AREA
Tertiary Middle East
St Barbara Consulting/SRK Consulting
Not Appointed
100
project under study
KAYAN PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX AT JUBAIL - POLYCARBONATE PACKAGE
Sabic/Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company
Asahi Kasei
Daelim Industrial Company
500
project under construction
KAYAN PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX AT JUBAIL - EO/EG PACKAGE
Sabic/Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company
Fluor Arabia
China Technical Consultants Incorporate
500
project under construction
KAYAN PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX AT JUBAIL - PP PACKAGE
Sabic/Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company
Fluor Arabia
Samsung Saudi Arabia
400
project under construction
RAS TANURA PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX
Saudi Aramco/Dow Chemical Company
Kellogg Brown & Root
Not Appointed
AL-ZABIRAH BAUXITE DEVELOPMENT
Maaden
Bechtel
Not Appointed
2,000
project under design
SYNTHETIC RUBBER PLANT AT KEMYA
Sabic / ExxonMobil Chemical
Not Appointed
31 - 100
project under design
HIGH-TECH COATING FACILITY IN DAMMAM
BLDGTEC/Nukote Coating Systems
Building Technology Trading & Contracting
CAUSTIC CHLORINE/ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE FACTORY IN JUBAIL
Arabian Chlor Vinyl Company
CMAI Consulting Company
Not Appointed
KAYAN PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX AT JUBAIL 2 DOUBLE - WALL TANKS PACKAGE
Sabic/Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company
Fluor Corporation
Chicago Bridge & Iron
KAYAN PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX AT JUBAIL - LDPE PACKAGE
Sabic/Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company
Fluor Arabia
STEEL PLANT IN JIZAN ECONOMIC CITY - PHASE 1
Pan Kingdom Investment Company
JUBAIL 2 EXPORT REFINERY - COKER UNIT PACKAGE ALUMINA REFINERY IN RAS AL ZOUR
SAUDI ARABIA
10 400
award awaited for the construction contract
project under design
project under construction award awaited for the construction contract
40
project under construction
Simon Carves
400
project under construction
Corus Consulting
Sabac
250
project under construction
Saudi Aramco / Total
Foster Wheeler
Samsung/Chiyoda
850
project under construction
Maaden/RCJY/Alcan
Bechtel
Fluor Arabia
6000
project under construction
To list your projects in this section email details to editor@ConstructionWeekOnline.com
17,000
project under construction
SPECIALIST SERVICES §
¦SPECIALIST SERVICES CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MADE EASY IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK’S DIRECTORY TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL +971 4 435 6375, OR EMAIL SHISHIR.DESAI@ITP.COM
Supplier focus
TERRAIN MANUFACTURER OF PLASTIC PIPES, FITTINGS AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS
To advertise please call +971 4 435 6375 or email shishir.desai@itp.com
Terrain is a supplier and manufacturer of plastic pipes, fittings and associated products for all types of applications including above and below ground drainage, water-supply systems, ventilation and water management. Whether a customer is working on a retail complex, hotel, apartments, housing, a public building or a commercial project they can source their products from Terrain. The company is based in Dubai but it has been supplying its products throughout the Middle East for over 50 years, during which time it has built up a network of well-established relationships in TERRAIN HAS BEEN SUPPLYING PLASTIC PIPES IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOR OVER 50 YEARS. the construction industry. Currently, Terrain is in the process of increasing the size of provide a good performance in the harsh environments its Dubai operation. By doing so, the company intends to of the Gulf. remind its distributors that it is committed to the Middle Terrain has supplied products to many different projects East market. in the region, including The Burj Al Arab, The Bahrain Its products meet British Standards and the manufac- World Trade Centre, The Sheraton Hotel in Qatar, and turing quality of the company’s products also allows it to Bahrain’s Reef Island project.
BUILDING MATERIALS
42
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
BUILDING MATERIALS
HARD LANDSCAPING SUPPLIER
CEILINGS/PARTITIONS
§ SPECIALIST SERVICES
> For directory information visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/directory
Calcium silicate and cement bre boards of thickness 6mm, 9mm and 12mm. Tiles vinyl fabricated and painted. CONSTRUCTION/MANUFACTURERS
CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS
Full range of plaster, tiles and gypsum tools
DEWATERING
Engineering Works Foundation Infrastructure (L.L.C.) P.O. Box: 111245, Dubai - U.A.E. P.O. Box: 2752, Abu Dhabi - U.A.E. Tel: +971 4 340 9022 Fax: +971 4 340 8952 E-mail: brian@ewfi.ae
SPECIALIZED DEWATERING SERVICES: • Specialized in Deepwell, Wellpoint, Open pumping techniques • Professional Service OTAL (LLC) Dubai, U.A.E Phone: (+971-4) 267 9646 e-mail: otal@eim.ae website: www.otal.ae
• Round the clock backup • Effective Groundwater control NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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NOVEMBER 7โ 13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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THANOS LAZOPOULOS/ITP IMAGES
CITY UPDATE DOHA, QATAR
DOHA IS ONE OF THE MARKETS THAT HAS BEEN LEAST AFFECTED BY A GLOBAL SLOWDOWN.
Rich future DOHA IS ONE OF THE MOST CONFIDENT CONSTRUCTION MARKETS IN THE GCC. CW FINDS OUT WHAT’S NEW IN QATAR By James Boley
D
epending on your source of information, Qatar either has the highest GDP per capita in the world or it’s in the top three.
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Either way, it’s safe to assume that Qatar is a country with enough financial potential to realise construction projects, even in the reduced circumstances being reported across the world. According to Deloitte Middle East’s GCC Powers of Construction 2009 report, the
CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009
future looks very bright, with Qatar overall predicted to see its construction sector grow by 17%, thanks to gas revenues. “In the future, governments are most likely to be the dominant force in breathing life into their respective countries’ construction sectors,” said Deloitte Corporate Finance construction and capital projects advisory leader Rizwan Shah. “Through leveraging their reserves, they will be able to stimulate their economies to create opportunities for construction and development - emphasising again
In fact, reports suggest that Qatar is the most confident construction market within the GCC. A survey of 3000 GCC projects by Proleads, released in spetemeber, suggested that just 5% of projects had been placed on hold or cancelled, compared to a GCC-wide average of around 18%. Tenders are still flowing thick and fast. Qatar National Bank’s submission date for the main construction contract closed at the end of October. The project is worth a total of US $250 million. Meanwhile, the end of October saw Qatar’s Public Works Authority, Ashghal, sign 16 contracts worth $412 million that will see a variety of schools, earthworks, road improvements and sewage mains constructed. Schools appear to be growing in importance in the contracting stage. In Q3 2009, Combined Group for Trading and Contracting picked up a $63 million order for five schools on Doha’s outskirts. The project is estimated to be delivered in Q3 2011.
TOP PROJECTS
US$ 11bn 5.5bn 5bn 3bn 1.5bn
Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Company is also preparing to issue a tender for the $200 million Doha World Trade Centre tower. The project, located opposite the Sheraton hotel on Doha corniche involves the construction of a 50 storey tower with four basement levels of parking and a total built up area of 140,000m2. Meanwhile, big news has been the sale of Qatar Engineering and Construction Company (QCon) to a Qatar-Bahraini consortium. Qatar America Asia Consortium (QAAC), Bahrain-based Unicorn Investment Bank, Qatar First Investment Bank (QFIB) and The First Investor (TFI) acquired 100% of QCon from Qatar Shipping. QAAC is the cooriginator of the transaction, with Unicorn acting as co-originator and arranger. “We are proud to have formed a strategic alliance with three of the region’s leading financial institutions to acquire QCon, and we are confident that the consortium will be able to add tremendous value to the company as it enters the next phase of its growth,” says QAAC chairman Shaikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Jabor Al Thani.
JAMIE STEWART
New Doha International Airport Lusail The Pearl Qatar Doha Metro Doha Convention Centre and Tower
“WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE CONSORTIUM WILL BE ABLE TO ADD TREMENDOUS VALUE TO QCON AS IT ENTERS THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS GROWTH”
that, education and healthcare as well as infrastructure are likely to be the sectors where most demand for building will lie in the future. Another emerging trend linked to this scenario is the increasing occurrence of public-private partnerships.”
“GOVERNMENTS ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE THE DOMINANT FORCE IN BREATHING LIFE INTO THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES’ CONSTRUCTION SECTORS”
DEVELOPMENT IS ALSO PROGRESSING IN DOHA AWAY FROM THE WATER FRONT.
NOVEMBER 7–13, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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DIALOGUE BEN SHAW
KHALED TERMANINI/ITP IMAGES
Opening doors Dorma Gulf regional director Ben Shaw discusses the increasing demand for secure door components and how his company is progressing
By Sarah Blackman
What products and services do you offer?
Dorma basically has five product divisions which include door control, automatic, moveable walls, glass, and security time and access. Obviously the door control department covers everything to do with the door, such as door closers, handles, hinges and locks. The automatic division includes revolving doors, sliding doors and swing doors. The majority of our glass systems are used for internal glass architecture and this covers not only doors but walls as well. We also produce exterior systems for components for facades. The security department is split into two sections. The software solution section is more European based and is predominantly marketed in Germany and France. On the other side of the division we cover components including access, security and safety control. Which projects have you worked on?
Some of the more prominent projects we have been working on include the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and a number of universities in Riyadh. We are working on the convention centre in Qatar and the Dubai Metro. We are also still working on the Burj Dubai. We are supplying products from all of the divisions to the Burj and every single product is being used throughout the project. When will you finish work on the Burj Dubai?
We are aiming to meet the first deadline, which is December 2. It’s quite intense at the moment but it is going well. Do you have plans to attend The Big 5 exhibition this year?
No. A few years ago we decided to take a different market approach. We used to attend The Big 5 every year and it gave us a good introduction to the market. But, we found a different approach to marketing i.e. going directly to developers and architects and showing them presentations. This works for us because it’s more focused. We have done some exhibitions in between such as Index 2008.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK NOVEMER 7–13, 2009
Contractors have been requesting bomb resistant doors in recent years. Do you provide these as part of your security division?
We are not the experts in producing doors as such, other than the automatic doors, but we do provide products to manufacturers who are making systems such as bomb resistant doors. What we supply is the systems and technologies that will complete the door. Has the demand for security systems increased?
Yes, for sure. We have certainly found components in our security time and access division are increasing in demand year after year, particularly in the more high traffic areas and institutional projects such as the Dubai Metro and the airports. I think the increase is due to the continuing maturity of the market. Once people have understood the value of products of a particular standard with a particular function in relation to security, they start to use them more. How has your company been affected by the downturn?
Our growth rate has dropped from over 40% per year in the boom period down to 20%. There is still a growth rate, it is just that the dynamics have changed. Dubai has slowed down, although it still has Ben Shaw established the Dorma Middle a lot of ongoing projects. And, what we East office in Dubai in 1997. As a regional have lost in Dubai, we have picked up in director, he has grown Dorma’s business the other growing areas, such as Saudi to bring more innovation to the industry Arabia and Abu Dhabi. and further expansion across the region. Under his leadership, Dorma opened up offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait with a network of over 1000 distributors. In 2007, Dorma built its regional headquarters at Jebel Ali Free Zone to serve the region’s construction sector meeting the demand for better technology in door hardware, automatic doors, glass fittings, security systems and partitions. Twelve years on, Dorma has four companies in the region – three in the UAE and one in Saudi Arabia, with branches and staff located in eight cities throughout the Middle East.
How have your technologies changed over time?
The technologies are always changing. One of the reasons for Dorma’s leadership is innovation. We introduce new technologies that relate to doors. The future of technology is through IT and electrical components that are more efficient, produce more information and are more safety and security conscious. The ultimate technology advancement in the future, which is already here to a certain extent, would be the ability to talk to your door and ask it to open and close.
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