SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES QATAR OMAN KUWAIT
Construction CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM
An ITP Business Publication
WEEK
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 [293]
NEWS, ANALYSIS, PROJECTS, TENDERS, CLASSIFIEDS, AND JOBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
INSIDE FACE TO FACE Experts discuss the challenges of setting up business in KSA PAGE 17
BRIDGING THE GAP
LEGAL How can contractors protect against PGBs in today’s climate? PAGE 23
INTERVIEW
DMG’s Simon Mellor tells us what to expect CW REVISITS THE NEW SHEIKH KHALIFA BRIDGE from The Big 5.
IN ABU DHABI
THIS WEEK
+
BIG 5
SPECIAL
PAGE 32
CITY FOCUS The latest news, projects and tenders in Al Ain, UAE PAGE 52
Alumil Gulf fzc subsidiary of ALUMIL in the Middle East
Technology Park, RAK FTZ, RAK tel +971 7 2444106, fax +971 7 2444107 email support.uae@alumil.com
CONTENTS OCTOBER 24-30, 2009 | ISSUE 293 11
19
FEATURES 24 ON SITE CW discovers how the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Saadiyat-Shahama highway were delivered on time.
31 EVENTS Industry dates for your diary.
32 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
14 21
CW chats to DMG’s Simon Mellor to find out what’s in store for The Big 5 this year.
36 SPECIAL REPORT Some of The Big 5 2009 exhibitors speak to CW about their plans for the event.
DIRECTORY 44 46 47 48
REGULARS 2 ONLINE 4 MAIL
23
SHOWCASE TENDERS PROJECTS SPECIALIST SERVICES
36
FRONT 10 DIYAR AL MUHARRAQ TO TENDER HOUSING The first construction tender for the Bahrain mega project will be open to bidders by the end of the year.
17 FACE TO FACE 11 POOR MEP RESPONSIBLE FOR FIRES? Several MEP specialists have criticised the quality of work carried out by the GCC after electrical faults were blamed for recent fire breakouts.
Industry experts discuss the perks of setting up business in Saudi Arabia.
BACK
19 NEWS IN PICS
52 CITY UPDATE
Topical images with the latest news.
The latest news and projects from Al Ain, UAE.
21 COMMENT 12 NEWS IN BRIEF Highlights of the week.
Philip Adams explains why contractors should not be afraid of reporting delays to their employers.
54 CONSTRUCT SAFE
23 LEGAL
56 DIALOGUE
How contractors can protect against performance guarantee bonds.
Habiba Al Marashi talks about the EEG’s aims to encourage green building.
The industry’s very own comic strip on health and safety best practices.
14 BIG 5 NEWS A look at what’s happening in the construction industry as exhibitors build up to The Big 5 exhibition.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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ONLINE
www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com MOST POPULAR SHEIKH KHALIFA BRIDGE TO SAADIYAT OPENS BAHRAIN WORKER SENT HOME WITH NO WAGES FIRE BREAKS OUT BESIDE JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES CITIES IN THE SAND ATKINS BAGS DURRAT AL BAHRAIN CONTRACT
HAVE YOUR SAY WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE BUILDING MORE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS? What can be done to make construction more environment friendly?
IN PICTURES: SITE TOUR: CITY OF ARABIA City of Arabia is self described as the ‘heart of Dubailand’. We take a closer look at what’s already going on, on-site. For more images visit www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com
FEATURES
JOBS OF THE WEEK Senior QA/QC Engineers, Doha, Qatar Construction Director, Dubai, UAE General Manager, Kuwait
ONLINE POLL Architect
Q&A: CAROLYN MCLEAN Jeff Roberts takes a look at sustainability, Sullivan and the cycle of inaction.
WHAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST AREA OF CONSTRUCTION OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
22.6% 34.7% 42.7% Residential, we need more homes for people
Design
Industrial, more refineries and factories will boost the economy
ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW The nuts and bolts of design. MEP
PMV
‘SMART’ SECURITY BMS systems is lending itself to security applications.
GOING UP DOWNTOWN
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
Infrastructure, transport, water and power will be crucial
Cranes heed strict HSE rules at this Dubai megaproject.
TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK’S SPOT POLL GO TO www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
MAIL insulated school classrooms do not require heating until the outdoor temperature goes below freezing, due to the heat gains from the lights. LARRY SPIELVOGEL
especially to the workers whose wages are so low. The labourers are helpless and nobody seems to support them. What kind of human beings are living there? EVA
RE: NOT ALL LEED BUILDINGS SAVE ENERGY
RE: A PERFECT STORM BOOSTS VALUE ENGINEERING IN DUBAI As a structural engineer and avid reader of Construction Week, I am disappointed that this type of article would warrant publication. Siberman is merely stating the obvious and providing information that is well known to most people involved in the construction industry, in the Middle East. However, as a business development exercise (which is Siberman’s personal field of expertise) he has succeeded in his objective.
This study is misleading. The Leed’s approach is holistic. It should also consider all of the places energy may have been saved during construction (locally sourced products, recycling construction materials). Granted, energy use is important, but a building’s energy use is more than the utility bill that shows up every month. I don’t think the Leed system is perfect, but only pointing out vague notions of a negative impact aren’t helpful. JOEL
PETER DE BRUIN
RE: AC MAINTENANCE KEY TO GREEN BUILDING – EXPERT In many commercial buildings, raising the cooling set-point has minimal impact on energy consumption. Cooling in these buildings is primarily used to reject the heat gains from lighting, equipment, and people. Those heat gains are not related to outdoor temperature and the amount of cooling energy needed does not change materially when temperatures are
raised. Some small part of the cooling energy use in these buildings is related to the walls, windows, and roofs. For those parts of the building, raising temperatures does reduce energy consumption. In larger commercial buildings, that energy is only a small fraction of the total cooling energy because the area without walls is usually much larger than the area with walls. For example, in a climate like New York, for these reasons, decently
Leed certification means nothing in terms of energy conservation. It allows the building industry to continue doing pretty much what it always has been doing with a little fig leaf to make it look ‘green’. It is time to grow up and replace Leed with real quantifiable standards of energy use. PETER KIND
RE: BAHRAIN WORKER SENT HOME WITH NO WAGES I have heard about how badly construction workers are treated in Bahrain. It is sad to hear about such unfairness,
The report by CW about unpaid workers in Bahrain shall definitely encourage more workers to expose such companies. Believe me, this is only the tip of the iceberg. QASEEM
RE: ABU DHABI TO DEVELOP MOSQUE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES A move in the right direction. Uphold your history and religion as tourists are more interested in these than tall buildings. BILL
RE: GOLDEN MILESTONE ON PALM JUMEIRAH I am glad to hear that DSI are enjoying such fantastic publicity for its Golden Mile project. I have been living there for over four months now and we still don’t have any swimming pools, gyms, shops, restaurants, outlets, or a completed building. Instead we have lifts that don’t work and toilets that have been blocked for more than a week. There hasn’t been a solution in sight or the offer to use other facilities in the meantime. The facilities management team is clearly incompetent. NINA
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 OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
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FOREWORD
SUSTAINING OURSELVES
“THE DAMAGE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN CAUSED TO THE EARTH IS SIMPLY IRREVERSIBLE”
We’re seeing world leaders speak out about the disastrous effects climate change has brought to the planet. Of course this isn’t the first time the topic is being addressed by prime ministers and presidents of various nations, but it does seem to carry more desperate undertones this time round. Without exaggerating, even if the powers-that-be decide to cut emissions at December’s UN-sponsored summit in Copenhagen, the damage that has already been caused to the earth is simply irreversible. Talk of sustainability in the region has been doing the rounds forever, but is any of it really being put into action? We hope to find out this week (Sunday, Monday) at the Construction Week Building Sustainability into the Middle East Conference in Abu Dhabi. Sustainability and preservation has to start at home and so instead of printing a separate agenda for our event, we decided to combine our Sustainability Supplement with the conference agenda and save a few glossy pages (you’ll find the copy inside). It’s a small act, a token of commitment if you will, but if everyone begins to do their part, we’ll be well on our way to contributing to the real greening of Dubai. Last week, representatives from the UAE ministry of environment and water, United Nations University, the Arab Media Group and LG Electronics Middle East signed the Greenomics 2009 protocol, pledging to nurture and develop a sustainable economy in the UAE through initiatives, incentives and encouragement of sustainable business models. Some write this off as yet another shameless green marketing gimmick, while calling for the enforcement of sustainable construction and the many green promises. But why is it that we realise what should have been done when it’s too late? We need to be green and we need to be green now. UK-prime minister Gordon Brown couldn’t have put it better in his speech, in London last week. In a nutshell - “there is no plan B.”
CONRAD EGBERT EDITOR conrad.egbert@itp.com
WRITE TO THE EDITOR Please address your letters to: 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 articles.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
T 00 971 7 244 74 64 F 00 971 7 244 74 62 P 34132 R A K , U A E
FRONT
>Poor MEP responsible for fires?
11
>Highlights of the week
12
>Big 5 news
14
>Face to Face
17
>News in pictures
19
FIVE HUNDRED AFFORDABLE HOUSES WITH ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ARE SET TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN BAHRAIN’S MEGA PROJECT DIYAR AL MUHARRAQ.
DIYAR AL MUHARRAQ TO TENDER HOUSING THIS YEAR By Benjamin Millington
The first construction tender for Bahrain mega project Diyar Al Muharraq will be opened to bidders by the end of the year, according to Diyar’s development director Daniel Chatley. The tender will involve the construction of 500 affordable houses and associated infrastructure. It was expected to be opened in September, but Chatley said they have been held up in the detailed design stage. “We have value engineers working on the designs now to help make these houses as affordable as possible. By the end of the year it should at least be out to tender and sale,” he told Construction Week.
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Construction on site is expected to start in February and finish by mid to late 2011. He said Diyar will most likely opt for a local contractor and a traditional method of construction. “We’ve looked at alternative methods of construction which can be faster, but none of the companies are really set up in Bahrain yet,” he said. “The other thing is that we are in no great hurry to finish the houses because the public utilities are not going to be connected to the site until mid-2011.” “Local contractors are probably going to be the most sensible sector of the market to compete for this tender.”
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
Chatley said construction of primary infrastructure on the project will start in mid-2010 with rolling handover from mid-2011. Meanwhile, he said reclamation of the project’s 12km² is progressing well ahead of schedule as the economic downturn has provided more resources to the site. A Great Lakes Nass joint venture is carrying out the reclamation works. The first 6km² is expected to be finished by March and the second 6km² is 60% complete, he said. Diyar Al Muharraq will be a contained city off the northern coast of Bahrain with more than 30,000 dwellings and a population of more than 100,000.
FRONT POOR MEP RESPONSIBLE FOR FIRES? By Matt Warnock In the past few weeks, several large fires before work is generally to a good have flared up at buildings and sites in the international standard. UAE, causing millions of dollars of damage, “The largest single cause of fire with electricals believed to have been at in buildings is electrical faults. fault. Several MEP specialists have since One of the biggest problems with criticised the quality of work carried out in electrical systems is that, even if the GCC, claiming that many installations the building is built to a good standard, modifications are frequently are simply accidents waiting to happen. made by people who have little or “The standard of MEP work is generally no training in electrical work with very poor in the UAE – especially in commercial spaces and warehouses,” commented dangerous results.” KMI International director Iain Fryer. But Drake and Scull International “I’ll not comment on the quality of materi(DSI) general manager and director als as I don’t know what the job spec was, for MEP, Charles Lever, warned but things like insulation are very bad; that against painting all MEP contracsaid, the situation was worse two years tors with the same brush. ago, as there simply wasn’t skilled labour LEVER BELIEVES THAT NOT ALL MEP “You have to be careful when available. Now, there’s more experience WORK IN THE UAE IS OF POOR QUALITY. making generalisations – my backfor fewer projects.” ground is in the UK and I’ve seen MEP Consultancy’s Peter Mills agreed: “My experience installations every bit as good here. Maybe there are is in the UK and the standard of workmanship here in some smaller contractors that don’t provide the same the UAE is working up from a very low base. In the seven quality, but there are equally those of us, like DSI, that years I’ve been here, I’ve seen improvements in the qual- are actively driving the industry forward and raising the ity of new installations, but there’s still a long way to go level internationally.”
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FRONT HIGHLIGHTS UAE
DULSCO INCREASES OUTSOURCE OFFERING Dulsco HR Solutions has increased its blue collar manpower pool, adding more than 1000 recruits from Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and India in response to growing demand for outsourced manpower. “The outsourcing model has evolved from being mainly a cost-saving strategy to being a powerful tool for maximising operational efficiency,” explained GM for manpower services Valerian D’Souza. Egypt
AL FUTTAIM TO DEVELOP SECOND FESTIVAL CITY Al Futtaim is looking for a site to build a new project similar to Cairo Festival City, the Dubai-based developer has said. “We are actively looking for another site to do another Festival City,” said AFGRE’ director of commercial leasing and real estate Philip Evans. “If we found the right site tomorrow, we would buy the right site tomorrow. It is just a question of the right site becoming available.” Cairo
NEWS IN NUMBERS
The proposed GCC rail network will cost
US $20-$25 billion
and will stretch
1940km
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Festival City is expected to be completed by 2015. Qatar
BARWA TO RECEIVE US $115M LOAN Barwa Real Estate will be handed a US $115 million (QR420 million) Islamic loan to fund ongoing projects, the developer announced to the Qatar stock exchange. Over the next five years, Barwa will execute projects worth $4 billion in total, including the $1.5 billion Barwa Village, which is currently under construction. The developer will also begin construction on a $9 billion mixed-use development in New Cairo City, Egypt, in Q4 2010. UAE
GRAND PRIX HOTEL TO OPEN THIS WEEK The Aloft Hotel in Abu Dhabi will officially open this week, 11 months after construction on the project began. Arabtec started construction on the development in November 2008 and guests will be welcomed into the hotel on October 25. Hotel owner, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions
The US construction industry is to see an
11% increase to US $466 billion in new starts in 2010
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
Company confirmed that the opening will help support the Formula One Grand Prix, due to take place on November 1. “We are extremely pleased with the final results of this project. Its efficient delivery can be put down to the planning implemented throughout all stages of the project development,” said RMJM Architects project director Yves Queromain. Bahrain
ATKINS BAGS DURRAT CONTRACT Atkins has been awarded architectural and infrastructure design for the third phase of the Durrat al Bahrain project – 20km² of reclaimed islands at the southern tip of Bahrain. Atkins will design and document infrastructure works, landscaping and architectural engineering of villas and facility buildings for four of the 13 islands, having already worked on earlier phases of the development since 2004. “Our continued presence capitalises on the in-depth knowledge and close working client relationship
Transguard Group acquired MEP contractor MACAir, after recording a 57% increase in turnover, doubling profit to US $20 million over the last financial year
already established with Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain and the commission demonstrates Atkins’ commitment to the development of Bahrain,” said Atkins Middle East project director Andrew Lane. Construction is expected to commence next year. UAE
DUCAB AWARDS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT Khansaheb Civil Engineering has been awarded the US $64 million (AED235 million) contract to build an industrial complex in Jebel Ali for Ducab HV – a JV between Dubai Cable Company, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority. Work on the complex will begin in November and is due to last around 12 months. The development is focused on the manufacture of electric cables for domestic and international markets and facilities will consist of offices, utility buildings, associated infrastructure and two cablemanufacturing towers.
The core of Abu Dhabi’s Capital gate tower, which leans
18° – 14°
more than the leaning tower of Pisa – has reached its final height of
160m
BIG 5 NEWS AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE IS COMING TO DUBAI Organisers have claimed that visitors to The Big 5 can expect a real international flavour, with 3000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries displaying their products and services at the show. And they point to recent research showing that around US $3.1 trillion (AED11.38 trillion) worth of construction projects are currently scattered throughout the GCC as reason for the massive interest in the region’s largest construction exhibition. “Against the background of a global economic recession, there is a general feeling from our clients that the Middle East is starting to stabilise,” explained The Big 5 show director Paula Al Chami. “This has been reflected in our previous clients returning to the show, with several new entrants from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India and Egypt to name a few. The Big 5 is at a time when the industry will come together, network and put a considerable amount of the speculation to rest.”
ONE PRODUCT SURE TO DRAW THE CROWDS WILL BE URIMAT’S WATERLESS URINAL – NOT ONLY BEING RECOGNISED FOR ITS RELIABILITY, DESIGN AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY – BUT ALSO ITS BUILT-IN TV SCREEN.
LEFT TO RIGHT: LEE CRAMPTON AND BERNARD NASR, WINNERS OF THE GAIA AWARDS 2008 AND SIMON MELLOR OF DMG WORLD MEDIA.
ENVIRO PROGRESS TO BE HONOURED This year, The Big 5 will again hold The GAIA Awards, aimed at honouring companies with products and services that seek to reduce construction’s impact on the environment. In light of new building regulations in the UAE, for example, requiring all new buildings to meet international green building standards, The Big 5 has made the environment a key priority for the 2009 exhibition. “The Big 5 has the opportunity to help shape the environmental agenda for the construction industry in the region. Feedback from previous GAIA Award winners has been positive, and it is great to hear that the awards are having a positive impact on their business,” said DMG World Media vice president of construction Simon Mellor. “The GAIA Awards, in addition to our moves this year to become carbon neutral, demonstrate that we are not just paying lip-service to these issues, we are actually leading by example, and we look forward to some innovative and ground-breaking environmentally-friendly products featuring in this year’s show.” Launched in 2008, the awards are named after the Greek goddess of the earth and
have proven to be extremely successful. “Winning the Gold GAIA Award last year for Solasteel, as well as two Silvers for our Solacoat products was a significant achievement for the company and this year we hope to repeat our success as we launch a range of new ‘green’ products at The Big 5,” said Rosy Salameh, assistant executive director at GAIA Award 2008 winners Tiger. “For clients, it is a sign of added value that we can say we are GAIA Award winners.” The GAIA Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts who consider various criteria, including fundamental innovation criteria, world leading technology, innovative features, high-level benefits and energy efficiency or fully recyclability. Mayur Porecha of 2008 finalist Constromech FZCO: “Being named as a finalist at the GAIA Awards 2008 meant we were recognised for contributing towards a greener future. Since receiving this award we have been developing further ‘green’ products to provide alternative cooling products to the traditional air conditioning for the industrial sector, something which has in the past had a great negative impact on the environment.”
BRETON SHOWCASES ECO-STONE Italian firm Breton will be bringing their state-of-the-art compound stone process to The Big 5. Turning solid industrial waste such as glass, ceramic, mirrors, silica and terracotta into “high performance, aesthetic” products, less than 10% of Breton compound stone is composed of a binder, such as concrete, and even that can be produced from renewable vegetable sources, like Biolenic Resin for example.
14
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
Ninety-nine percent of all water used in the production of the stone comes from recycled sources, while even the energy employed manufacturing each piece is lower than that used in producing other compound stone products with comparable life cycles. Being bacteriostatic, Breton claims it is ideal for worktops, industrial and domestic kitchen tops and food distribution platforms, such as those in restaurants or hotels.
BIG 5 NEWS In spite of a still fragile global economic outlook and boasting a domestic construction industry that has suffered greatly over the past 36 months, the United States’ Pavillion will actually increase 50% for 2009’s Big 5. International business development specialist Clarkesmith International has assembled more than 30 US companies who will be showcasing a wide range of products to the Middle East, from precast hollow core machinery and mixers to armoured doors, digital laser template systems and radiant barrier sheathing. Last year marked the US Pavillion’s debut at The Big 5 and this year’s growth shows just how important the Gulf region is to American companies. Half the companies exhibiting in 2009 were at The Big 5 in 2008, while half are visiting for the first time, seeking new distributors, partnerships and market knowledge.
MIELE INTENDS TO REVEAL ITS “FOREVER BETTER” APPROACH For Miele, The Big 5 is a platform for the family-owned company’s long-term approach to sustainability – something it hopes is highlighted by the fact that it runs its own biannual sustainability report. “We view ourselves as having a responsibility to our customers and our employees, and see ourselves as responsible for the environment. In so doing we also have the responsibility to grow and economise wisely.
OPT FOR WOOD ARCHITECTURE FROM CHILE WILL BE EXHIBITING THE COMPANY’S UNIQUE APPROACH TO BUILDING MATERIALS WITH PREFABRICATED WOODEN BUILDINGS AND A RANGE OF CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS – ALL CREATED OUT OF WOOD. COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS HAVE JUST AN EIGHT-WEEK CONSTRUCTION TIME WITH RESIDENTIAL COMPLETED IN THREE OR FOUR WEEKS AND ALL BUILDINGS CAN BE DISMANTLED AND REASSEMBLED.
ALTREX TO SHOWCASE NEW ACCESS EQUIPMENT
NEMANJA SESLIJA/ITP IMAGES
US PAVILION GROWS BY 50%
MORE THAN 30 US COMPANIES ARE SET TO SHOWCASE PRODUCTS AT THE BIG 5 THIS YEAR.
Custom Building Products, for example, is hoping to turn its strong domestic record in installation solutions for tile and stone to its advantage in the Middle East, while The Engineered Wood Association has been at The Big 5 for many years.
To us, the word sustainability encompasses all of these factors,” explained a company spokesperson. Miele’s approach to sustainability is fairly simple: the longer the operational life of a product, the less likely the need for new materials and the energy required in producing a replacement. Among products Miele will showcase at The Big 5, the insulation material and coolants used are CFC-free and HFC-free materials “long before guidelines came into force”. This ensures there is no further damage to the ozone layer or increase in greenhouse gases.
THE JCB DANCING DIGGERS, WILL PERFORM FOR CROWDS AS THEY MAKE THEIR DEBUT DUBAI PERFORMANCE AT THE BIG 5 PMV SHOW, WHICH RUNS ALONG SIDE THE BIG 5 SHOW. DEVELOPERS AND CONTRACTORS INTERESTED IN SAVING TIME AND MONEY SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR PLASTBAU’S STAND – THE UAE COMPANY MANUFACTURES A LIGHTWEIGHT CEMENT THAT CUTS CONSTRUCTION TIME BY 40% AND COSTS BY 30%.
Dutch company Altrex aims to show visitors to The Big 5 why its products are so popular with rental companies all over the world, by demonstrating its range of access equipment, from DIY to professional. And, the company will also launch new lines, including a new rolling/folding tower line, the Bisomac 210 hoist for the Modular Suspend Platform System and several new telescopic and folding ladders. Altrex also says it “is very interested in meeting future partners eager to join the growth of Altrex by selling the high quality products”.
THE BIG 5 TO KICKSTART UPTURN? While visitor numbers may have slumped for Cityscape Dubai 2009 and other industry shows, so far The Big 5 has faired well, with the show organisers, claiming a year-on-year increase in exhibitor space and a record number of preregistrations. Taking place between November 23 and 26 at Dubai World Trade Centre, visitors from more than 50 countries have signed up to attend. “The Big 5 exhibition is somewhat of a barometer for the construction industry and seem to be bucking the trend of some other trade shows, which has been reflected in the increased floor space,” said show director Paula Al Chami. “Clearly, this has been a year of a slow down, but it seems that The Big 5 is coming at just the right time, as the industry is starting to look forwards again.”
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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FACE-TO-FACE SETTING UP IN SAUDI ARABIA
BRIAN STREET
MARK HARDAKER
General manager – RMD Kwikform Saudi Arabia
General manager – Sika Saudi Arabia
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO MOVE INTO THE SAUDI MARKET? We agreed to enter the Saudi market about 18 months ago, but it took some time to go through all the processes and we didn’t get our commercial registration until July. Now we have set ourselves up as a 100% foreign-owned company in Saudi Arabia.
Sika actually started in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s and for various reasons it left the Kingdom in 1984. Since then we have maintained a presence through distributors, but as of the beginning of this year we established Sika Saudi Arabia, which will be manufacturing and selling all our products locally.
WHAT KIND OF MARKET SHARE DO YOU THINK YOU CAN ACHIEVE? Saudi Arabia is a great opportunity for us and we want 30% of the market within three years. The expectations are extremely high but it’s a big market and hopefully we will achieve that.
We have an 8% to 9% market share at the moment which would probably make us the number three construction chemicals company in Saudi Arabia now. The goal is to be number one within three years.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE COMPETITION IN SAUDI ARABIA? We see a huge gap in the market because, with the exception of one Austrian-German company, the state of the competition is very poor. There is very little product innovation and the level of service that customers seem to accept is extremely low.
Our competitors have had a virtual monopoly on the market, since Sika left in 1984, but have been sitting on their hands with no service and old fashioned products. We will soon be offering full technical support to our clients, as well as the latest in innovative products.
HAVE YOU NOTICED OTHER INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS MOVING TO THE KSA? There are certainly other people expressing some interest in coming here, particularly a number of other companies with Dubai operations, but it is an administrative nightmare and we were probably just a couple of years ahead of them in that process.
Sika has a lot of smaller competitors in different markets, but there are only a few large companies in the chemicals sector and they are already in Saudi Arabia. Our main rival will be BASF, which like Sika, is a quality company.
WHAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? To be honest the main obstacle for us will be getting visas for our employees. The company is established but we are operating on skeleton staff which is pretty stretched, so visas will be the main priority.
In Saudi Arabia it is very hard to find quality people that are hard working and willing to come and join a multinational company, both locals and expatriates. This business cannot run without the right people and getting them will be the biggest challenge.
WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU BRING TO THE MARKET? The market here is highly labour intensive and a big part of our job is to educate these guys about the overall benefits of using an engineered formwork system which will be more efficient and cost effective in the long run.
Our goal is to instill an idea of innovation that welcomes products which might be more expensive, but are able to do the job more effectively and efficiently than the stuff currently in the market. This will often save contractors money overall and improve quality.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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FRONT NEWS IN PICS LEFT: The iconic Capital Gate, being built adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, has reached its halfway mark. The tower now stands about 100m-high, with the central core at level 22 and the external diagrid at level 18. This milestone was reached when a gigantic internal atrium, including swimming pool and ‘tea lounge’, was suspended on the 17th and 18th floors, the halfway point of the 35-storey, 160m tower. When complete, Capital Gate will lean 18° westward, which is 14° more than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Gifford, based in Dubai, was a specialist consultant on the flagship project, tasked with advising on the construction so it achieves its intended position. LEFT BOTTOM: Last week a fire broke out at landscaping company Proscape’s labour camp in the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) off Emirates Road. An IMPZ spokesperson said the fire started at about 9pm on October 17 due to short circuit. The firefighting squad managed to successfully put it out by around 1pm. Four port-a-cabins were lost in the blaze but no injuries were reported. BELOW: Qatar’s Public Works Authority, Ashghal, has signed 16 contracts worth a total of US $412 million (QR1.5 billion) for infrastructure projects. Ashghal acting general manager Nasser Ali Mawlawi signed deals for the construction of government schools, roads, plants and drainage networks. Schools are to be built at Mamoura, Al Amir, New Saleta, Al Sailiyyah and Najma. Meanwhile, a sewage main is to be built to Al Rakhiya Farm from Doha West. Earthworks for Barwa City and road improvement works in central Rayyan have also been awarded.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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COMMENT > For the latest news and comments log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/comment
Delay notices – a declaration of war? PHILIP ADAMS EXPLAINS WHY CONTRACTORS SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF REPORTING DELAYS TO THEIR EMPLOYERS
Throughout my career I have encountered a general reluctance and even fear on the part of contractors when it comes to reporting delays and additional costs to the employer. To a certain extent this reticence is understandable. A contractor is no doubt trying to build a long term relationship with an employer and fears that such notices may attract an adverse reputation and jeopardise an amicable settlement and most importantly, future work. If such a settlement is achievable on your project and future work is assured, read no further. But, if both these are a distant dream then consider this – the employer drafted the contract, you didn’t. It is the employer who insists upon delay notices two days before the event occurs and details full particulars before the ink on the notice has dried. Therefore, the employer should not be aggrieved or surprised when he receives enough notices to wall paper the Burj Dubai and perhaps the contractor might consider gently reminding the employer of this, the next time he complains. At this point I could discuss familiar territory such as failure to give notice constituting a breach, condition precedent versus the prevention principle and/or unjust enrichment et al under the UAE Civil Code. But it is more useful to view these issues from a practical perspective namely if a contractor does not tell the employer that he has been delayed or disrupted or that he has decided to accelerate; then at the very least he risks waiting a very long time for his money. Alternatively, if a contractor does keep the employer informed of events that could genuinely give rise to additional costs including full particulars, then the employer might make some allowance in his budget, which could make life a lot easier when it comes to negotiating the final account. Detailed and timely notices will also enable the employer to identify the ‘genuine’ events,
which may have real impact and that otherwise might get ‘lost’ amongst the mountain of notices, which the contractor is forced to submit. Plus, contractors should not ignore the possibility that the employer may genuinely be unaware of the full implications of a proposed variation and may find some alternative action when notified of its possible consequences. Fear may also emanate from a misunderstanding regarding the content and tone of notices. When I first started work in the industry there were several publications which contained standard templates for contractual notices. These templates were littered with contract clauses and were also written in a tone that would guarantee an increase in blood pressure in the recipient. It is possible for a notification clause to include detailed procedures. And, in such circumstances contractors should ensure that they comply. However, generally there is no specific requirement to quote contract clauses. Also if a contractor feels words like ‘prolongation’ and ‘disruption’ might be provocative then he should consider alternative wording. To enable this process to be managed efficiently, it is very important to set up a dedicated team adequately resourced to implement a robust claims management system. Contractors should not risk relying upon their existing commercial and planning resources to accommodate this process in conjunction with their extensive work load. Investment in such a team during the project has the potential to be much less than the money spent on sorting out the mess at the end. Finally the above serves an equally important role as an internal claim verification process to avoid ‘invalid claims’ being declared as sales and thereby managing the expectations of internal stakeholders. It may also avoid the risk of such claims being escalated to expensive dispute.
“IF SETTLEMENT IS A DISTANT DREAM THEN CONSIDER THIS - THE EMPLOYER WROTE THE CONTRACT, YOU DIDN’T”
Adams is a senior consultant at Systech in Dubai. He has provided commercial, contractual and dispute resolution advice on projects ranging from high specification offices, data centres and long distance fibre optic networks to major civil engineering projects, multi-storey offices and hotels. He is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a fellow at the Chartered Institute of Arbitration.
The opinions expressed in this column are of the author and not of the publisher.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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LEGAL > For more legal advice log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/comment
How contractors can protect against performance guarantee bonds THE RISK OF CALLING FOR PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE BONDS, ARE GREATLY ENHANCED DURING RECESSIONARY MARKETS. ANDREW GIBSON CONSIDERS THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS
During the peak of last year’s construction boom, the provision of a Performance Guarantee Bond (PGB) by a contractor was practically second nature, and was to some extent regarded as being merely an administrative prerequisite to securing the all important contract in question. But with the local construction market now having taken a turn for the worse, the inevitable calling of PGBs is still raining in. The vast majority of such calls are of course genuine, and are often the result of contractors struggling to cope with the narrow schedule of works they were once only too eager to commit to. But a darker picture also exists whereby some developers now intent on seizing whatever remaining liquidity is within reach are calling upon such PGBs disingenuously. Unfortunately, if a disingenuous call has already been made, there is very little an aggrieved contractor can do. After all, the very essence of a PGB is that it is an undertaking by the issuing bank to pay the captioned amount upon the first demand of the intended beneficiary. Therefore, should the bank fail to comply with its undertaking in this regard, or otherwise seek to delay the inevitable, it could easily land itself in some very unwelcome hot water. But if the contractor has clear reason to believe that a disingenuous call is about to be made, there are a few steps that it should consider taking to safeguard its position. The first is to contact the issuing bank in question. The contractor has no leverage over the bank in the sense that it is unable to prevent it from releasing the funds. But that is not to say that it cannot write to the bank to formally notify it of the possible demand and request the bank to notify it in the event that such a demand is made. The contractor can then use this information to carry out the next important step,
which is to submit an application to court for a block to be placed upon any calling of the PGB. It is however crucial to recognise that the first step is by no means conditional upon the filing of an application in this regard; indeed it would be reckless to rely upon a tipping off from the bank not only because it may refuse or simply forget to notify the contractor, but more importantly it may by that time be too late to carry out any preventative action. In essence, if a contractor considers that a disingenuous call is imminent, it should proceed immediately with the filing of the court application. This will necessitate the preparation of a Statement of Claim setting out a brief summary of the factual background and the remedy sought. Payment of the Court fee in the sum of [US $4083] AED15,000 will also be required, which is recoverable in the event that the application is successful. Finally, it is worth mentioning that not all developers insist upon the provision of a PGB. Some favour the handing over of straight forward cheques, whether in the form of a singular lump sum or a multitude equivalent to the total amount (usually 10% of the contract price). While this may appear at first glance to be a less cumbersome and confrontational arrangement, the risks associated with the same are far greater to both parties. From the developer’s perspective, the obvious risk is that the cheques bounce resulting in non-payment, whereas the risk of the issuing bank being unable to honour payment is significantly less. From the contractor’s perspective, the power it retains to unilaterally withdraw the cheques in the event of a dispute may seem attractive, although clearly such action would then expose itself to both civil and criminal proceedings carrying serious consequences indeed.
“IF A CONTRACTOR CONSIDERS THAT A DISINGENUOUS CALL IS IMMINENT, IT SHOULD PROCEED IMMEDIATELY WITH THE FILING OF THE COURT APPLICATION”
Andrew Gibson is a dispute resolution lawyer specialising in construction, engineering and real estate matters. Prior to joining the DIFC office of Bin Shabib & Associates (BSA) as an Associate in May 2008, Andrew worked in the Property Litigation Department of Michelmores in England where he also qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.
The opinions expressed in this column are of the author and not of the publisher.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
H I G H WAY TO
HAPPINESS THE SHEIKH KHALIFA BRIDGE AND ACCOMPANYING SAADIYAT-SHAHAMA HIGHWAY WERE DELIVERED AT THE START OF OCTOBER. CW TAKES A LOOK AT HOW THE PROJECT WAS DELIVERED ON TIME By James Boley; Photos by Rajesh Raghav
A
nyone who regularly travels down the UAE’s E11 highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi knows that the drive can be awful – in both senses of the word. While navigating among some of the more erratic drivers can be a little nerve-racking, there is the sight of the Aldar HQ, Al Raha Beach, Yas and Saadiyat Islands, which inspire awe even if you’ve become jaded by the megaprojects in the Emirates. However, the opening of the bridge at Saadiyat, and the Saadiyat-Shahama highway on October 14th, means the journey is now a little less stressful, and just as amazing. Starting from Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi, the highway stretches over the now-named Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, before traversing 27km across Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and joining back up with E11 to Dubai. The bridge marks the first time Saadiyat Island has been joined to Abu Dhabi and provides a crucial connection for the Tourism Development and Investment Council (TDIC) and its plans for the islands. Saadiyat will provide a cultural destination for tourists and residents in Abu Dhabi, while Yas Island will provide leisure and entertainment, including the Ferrari World theme park and Formula One. Construction on the bridge began in December 2006 and saw more than 7.5 million man hours put in to ensure the project was completed on schedule. A joint venture between Zublin – Saif Bin Darwish used approximately 15,000 tonnes of asphalt and 15,500 tonnes
“IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO DELIVER THE PROJECT ON TIME BECAUSE THE BRIDGE WAS NEEDED IN TIME FOR THE FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX”
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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THE HIGHWAY STRETCHES OVER THE SHEIKH KHALIFA BRIDGE, BEFORE TRAVERSING ACROSS SAADIYAT AND YAS ISLANDS AND JOINING UP WITH E11 TO DUBAI.
“I’D SAY WITH OUR SYSTEM THEY SAVED 30% OF THE TIME REQUIRED” of reinforcement steel to build the 1.4km bridge, which can hold 10 lanes of traffic. Construction took 30 months. Keeping to the schedule of the project was vital, explains Zublin project manager Holger Schmidt. “It was very important to deliver the project on time because the bridge was needed for the Formula One Grand Prix. Otherwise people coming to the event from Abu Dhabi would have to drive to the airport and back up to Yas Island.” Meeting this challenge required careful preparation and the corralling of international expertise. “We prepared all our internal systems to make sure we could deliver on time,” says Schmidt. “Also we brought many experts from Germany to work hard on this project. We had around 25 to 30 people from Germany here at one stage.”
WORKING ON FORM An important element in ensuring the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge was delivered on
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time, was the formwork. RJR Formwork supplied a flexible system that has been tried and tested elsewhere in the UAE and has proven particularly effective for bridge construction. RJR provided a system that could be moved along the bridge without dismantling, creating a considerable saving both in terms of time and manpower required. “We were able to move the system three times without dismantling it, which offered considerable advantages over traditional systems. They’ve used the system very successfully,” says managing director Roger Ratcliffe. He estimates that the RJR system greatly reduced the need for manpower on site and helped the project be delivered on time. “If you’ve lots of repetition you don’t need to keep taking it up and down, you can move the whole system as a big chunk,” he says. “The fact is you’re saving time by moving the system. You’d need at least two or three times the volume of equipment just for moving a standard system. I’d say with our system they saved 30% of the time required. There’s also not the same high labour element required.”
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
THE 1.4KM BRIDGE CAN HOLD 10 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND TOOK 30 MONTHS TO CONSTRUCT.
ROAD TO SUCCESS
needs” was the provision for alternative Accompanying the bridge is the Saadiyat- transport systems. A light rail transit (LRT) Shahama highway, which will provide the bridge has also been constructed to allow main artery for traffic heading towards a future railway to link Yas Island and the two islands under development by Abu Dhabi. the TDIC. The highway provides an effective shortcut TAKING between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, allowing RESPONSIBILITY travellers to easily reach the corniche while Aldar were responsible for 23m of the avoiding the traffic in downtown Abu Dhabi. highway, plus a further 18km of interchange An unofficial assessment by CW suggests ramps and freeway improvements. As a that the new highway shaves a good 20 to result, 22 highway bridges, 17 exits and 30 minutes off the journey time between four underpasses came under the developer’s remit. the two cities. Creating a new highway has been an In addition, Aldar was responsible the main important part of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, interchange and surrounding highway for the strategic plan that provides a road map Yas Island, Aldar’s leisure and entertainfor development for the city and its envi- ment destination development and location rons for the next 20 years. The plan was of Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for the the key guideline framework for the devel- inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. opment of the newly inaugurated Sheikh Aldar’s portion of the project was split into a further two packages. Six Construct Khalifa Bridge. “Projects such as this that address both the immediate and future needs “PROJECTS SUCH AS THIS of the people stand a better chance THAT ADDRESS BOTH THE of being recognised as a valuable IMMEDIATE AND FUTURE contribution to the nation buildNEEDS OF THE PEOPLE STAND ing process,” said Aldar chairman A BETTER CHANCE OF BEING Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh at the inauRECOGNISED AS A VALUABLE guration of Sheikh Khalifa Bridge. CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATION BUILDING PROCESS” Part of this anticipation of “future
handled the construction of the Yas Island section of the highway and the interchange with the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road, while Taisei Corporation handled the responsibilities for building the bridge and roads from Yas Island to Saadiyat Island. Both sections were subcontracted to Al Jaber Construction, which appears to be doing well out of the building boom on Saadiyat. The firm also has won the contracts for the Saadiyat Beach Residences and Saadiyat Beach Hotel. Meanwhile, the construction of the actual road on Saadiyat was covered by Gulf Leighton Contracting Abu Dhabi, following the designs of US firm Parsons. As part of this construction, a 180m wide land bridge was built to link Saadiyat to Yas. In anticipation of future residents and out of respect for the natural landscape, the land bridge was built by using a trough contour, making it less visible and quieter. Along the Saadiyat section, 650 palm trees have been planted, along with 500,000 other plants, 10,000m³ of stone and 26,000m³ of sand. Construction took 24 months to complete. With the bridge and highway now officially open, a vital element of both the Saadiyat Island and Yas Island projects can now be crossed off the list.
ALDAR PROPERTIES WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSTRUCTING 23M OF THE SAADIYAT-SHAHAMA HIGHWAY PLUS A FURTHER 18KM OF INTERCHANGE RAMPS.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
EMB V O N 14 -17
RL O W I A - DU B 9 0 0 2 ER
E CEN D A R T D
TRE
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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: 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 construction industry, Building Smart can facilitate improvements in profitability and sustainability in the region. Building Smart will eventually operate throughout the Middle East and North Africa, as a not-for-profit organisation. Date: November 15-16 Venue: Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi Website: www.itp.net/events/buildsmart
Event focus
CONSTRUCTION WEEK DUBAI CONFERENCE DATE: NOVEMBER 3 VENUE: RAFFLES HOTEL, DUBAI PHONE: +971 4 435 6127 EMAIL: OSCAR.WENDEL@ITP.COM WEBSITE: WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE. COM/CONFERENCES A one day event with two streams running concurrently covering the vital aspects of construction and real estate.
Event: Construction Week Awards 2009 Overview: In its 5th year, the Construction Week Awards 2009 will celebrate excellence in the construction industry and exceptional performance in 15 key areas of the sector, with nominations open to contractors, developers and
consultants working in the Middle East. Award categories include project manager of the year, construction manager of the year, sustainable project of the year and developer of the year among others. Date: November 4 Location: Grand Hyatt, Dubai Phone: +971 4 435 6133 Email: annie.chinoy@itp.com Website: www.constructionweekonline. com/cwawards
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: 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 Phone: +962 655 5981 Website: http://isam-dubai.web.officelive. com/about.aspx
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 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 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: Front Roof and Cladding 2010 Date: March 8-10, 2010 Venue: Expo Centre, Sharjah Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Saudi International Windows, Doors, Shutters, and Solar Protection Exhibition 2010 Date: April 11-14, 2010 Venue: Riyadh Exhibition Centre Phone: +966 1 454 1448 Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Project Qatar 2010 Overview: International trade exhibition for construction technology, building materials, equipment and environmental technology. Date: April 12-15, 2010 Venue: Qatar International Exhibition Centre Phone: +974 495 4888 Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Gulf Bid 2010 Date: May 4-6, 2010 Venue: Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Website: www.eventseye.com Event: FM Expo Date: May 18-20, 2010 Venue: Dubai International Exhibition Centre Phone: +971 4 332 1000 Website: www.eventseye.com Event: Cityscape Saudi Arabia 2010 Date: June 5-7, 2010 Venue: Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre Website: www.eventseye.com
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW SIMON MELLOR Rapid response IN ONE OF THE TOUGHEST YEARS THE REGION’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAS EVER FACED THE BIG 5 STILL LOOKS LIKELY TO BUST A FEW RECORDS. CW CHATS TO SIMON MELLOR, VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSTRUCTION FOR DMG WORLD MEDIA TO FIND OUT WHY By Stuart Matthews
In the construction industry, it pays the wider Mena region have been so to have a track record. Established positive and strong over the last five credentials and proof of performance to ten years that we have been are bound to boost confidence in your struggling to meet demand with the size ability, especially as the little guys fall by of the venue. the wayside in tough economic times. “This year the venue has extended Maybe that’s why sometimes big is facilities, which has allowed us, to some better. The Big 5 International Building extent, to meet the true demand and and Construction Show seems to be against all expectations, we will put a proving the point. In what has been bigger show on in 2009 than in 2008.” a tough year for most contractors in One of the immediate benefits of the the industry, The Big 5 has performed bigger facilities was that The Big 5 ‘quite surprisingly’, according to PMV show can come indoors for the Simon Mellor, vice president of the first time. The PMV exhibition space construction division for DMG will have a 14m roof clearance, leaving World Media. plenty of room for some of the biggest “We’ve been a kit around to be long established on display. “WE ARE AN EXCELLENT show here and Strong local OPPORTUNITY FOR in being long demand is coupled COMPANIES TO INTRODUCE established, with support PRODUCTS AND TEST people inherently from around the CONSUMER REACTION” have confidence globe, particularly in the products Asia. There is also and services on offer within The Big 5 some emerging involvement from South environment,” he said. America, Eastern Europe – partly a The result, the organiser promises, is product of the growth of the European a show that will be bigger than it has Union – and more interest from been before. Mellor feels there North Africa. are a few important reasons why. One, “Trade shows tend to fall into two there’s more space available this year, distinct categories, those where people thanks to an extension of the facilities. come and chat, and shows where they Added to this is the fact that the buy and specify. We are an excellent show has a reputation for attracting opportunity for companies to introduce buyers ready to give exhibitors an products and test consumer reaction,” ‘instant response’. said Mellor. “We are very well known “We’ve always attracted a broad as a buying show.” audience from right across the Mena Acknowledging the vital role of the region and exhibitors have always deal makers, The Big 5 has introduced been successful in promoting a strong a new component to the show with the community,” said Mellor. “It was a creation of a key buyer’s programme. community, in a sense, restricted by “We’ve invested a lot of time and the size of the facilities. The GCC and energy into creating a key buyer
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
MELLOR BELIEVES THAT THE BIG 5 IS WELL KNOWN AS A BUYING SHOW.
programme, actively looking to service upwards of 700 leading projects throughout the Middle East and Africa region,” said Mellor. “In any typical year we’ll have upwards of 15,000 products or services on show. It’s a tough job for a key buyer to sift through them all. Instead we’re looking to give them a business class experience of the show, to help their needs be met as accurately, quickly and comfortably as possible. “Our exhibitors want to see the key buyers and we’re excited to see what the results will be this year.” There is an educational angle to the show, with a strong emphasis on boosting the level of awareness and knowledge of green issues. Experts will be on hand throughout the four days, in a dedicated area designed to act as an educational gallery, where people can browse and learn. Key topics covered will include renewable energy, solar power and water conservation issues. “This ties in very nicely with the work we did on the GAIA awards last
> For more people interviews log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
year,” said Mellor. “Some of the 2008 winners will be highlighted in that community, which will also provide a platform to promote the 2009 winners.” Environmental issues will also be addressed in a portion of the conference programme, which will run in parallel with the show. “The most interesting area is the affordability of the technology,” said Mellor. “There is a general perception, wrongly in my view, that this is an expensive way to build. But there are ways of making this cost effective and affordable and in the current economic climate, we are all looking
for more affordable and effective solutions.” As the single largest gathering of the construction industry in the Middle East, The Big 5 will be a chance for many to discuss the state of the industry with international peers. Mellor sees it as an important opportunity for the construction community to come together, share their experiences and look at how to deal with the year ahead. “I think of all the years in past history, this is probably the one where the community needs to come together to discuss and understand what can be learned and how,” he said.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009? Key buyer’s programme A ‘business class’ exhibition experience for the industry’s biggest spenders More space, more people Expanded facilities mean there’s room for more of everything, including exhibitors, as the 2009 edition looks to be the biggest ever All indoors Bigger facilities mean the Big 5 PMV will also be completely undercover on the same site Easier access 1500 additional parking spaces in three new locations around the Trade Centre and expanded transport options will making getting in and out easier
BARTCO, Australia’s leading manufacturer and exporter of portable electronic traffic equipment is pleased to present our range of products to the UAE market including: X X X
Portable Variable Message Signs Trailer Mounted Directional Arrow Boards Portable Traffic Light Systems
Primarily used for roadconstruction purposes for motorist awareness, safety and advanced warning of road/traffic conditions, Bartco Full Matrix LED technology, means our VMS can also be used for advertising, event management or promotions. Environmentally friendly solar power drives the VMS without the need for an external power supply and programming is done through our web based interface or via SMS. Live GPS tracking is also available. Graphics, animations, a variety of fonts and languages can be displayed on either an industry standard Amber display or our new unique to Bartco color VMS. Call or email for further information. Distributor enquiries most welcome.
Ph. + 61 3 5352 2255 Email: sales@bartco.com.au Web: www.bartco.com.au
BIG 5 HALL PLAN
34
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
GETTING THERE
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
35
T O M A R K E T, TO MARKET CONSTRUCTION WEEK TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT EXHIBITORS WILL HAVE TO OFFER AT THE CONSTRUCTION EVENT OF THE YEAR, THAT IS THE BIG 5 2009 By Sarah Blackman; Photos by Nemanja Seslija
W
hen it comes to markets and trade shows, the world has a whole host of stalls where you’ll find the wheelers and dealers, as well as buyers with a keen eye for good quality and value-added products. For London’s tourists there is the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill, for lovers of arts and crafts there is Sydney’s Paddington Market and for the construction industry there is The Big 5 exhibition. According to DMG, The Big 5 organiser, the event can expect some 3000 exhibitors from over 50 countries to provide a one-stop-shop for the construction sector this year by showcasing everything from asbestos-free cement, to fasteners and gaskets. But, will 2009’s products, systems and technologies meet the changing needs of engineers, architects and contractors in the Middle East, as the downturn continues? Kerim Caglar, marketing manager of Knauf, a dry wall systems provider, seems to think so: “The economic slowdown did affect everyone in every sector so I am expecting to see more economically feasible material and solution providers at this year’s exhibition,” he says. “That is why we are displaying our drywall systems, which enable projects to be completed faster, on time and within budget.” It’s no news to the construction industry that the demand for building materials and systems has dropped as projects
“I AM EXPECTING TO SEE MORE ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE MATERIAL AND SOLUTION PROVIDERS AT THIS YEAR’S BIG 5 EXHIBITION”
36
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
> For more special reports visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
are being put on hold or even cancelled. But, suppliers who will be present at The Big 5 see the event as a platform to attract new clients and bring back the interest of existing ones. “The Big 5 show is a major event on our calendar,” insists Caglar. “We have been planning for it for the past six months by analysing market needs. And, we came up with a selection of systems and products that are currently in demand in the construction industry.” Triplefast Middle East sales manager Shane Anderson also reveals his company’s plans for the event: “We
BIG 5 EXHIBITORS TO LOOK OUT FOR COMPANY NAME
COUNTRY
VERSEIDAG INDUSTRIES MENA
Jordan
ITANI TRADING & INDUSTRIAL COMPANY
Lebanon
CINCA – COMPANHIA INDUSTRIAL DE CERÂMICA
Portugal
GEONEXT - PRODUTOS ELÉCTRICOS
Portugal
SPACE REFLEX – ISOLAMENTOS TERMO-ACÚSTICOS
Portugal
SHENG TAI BRASSWARE COMPANY
Taiwan
HCP PUMP MANUFACTURER COMPANY
Taiwan
CARPETS INTERNATIONAL MALAYSIA
Malaysia
LB ALUMINIUM BERHAD
Malaysia
REKA SETIA PLAYGROUND
Malaysia
EUROSLOT
France
CLIPPER
France
LA ROCHERE SA
France
DAMMAN CROES
Belgium
ECHO ENGINEERING
Belgium
KINGSPAN DOOR COMPONENTS
Belgium
BUZON PEDESTAL INTERNATIONAL
Belgium
CLIMATECH
Belgium
DECTRON
Canada
NATHAN ALLAN GLASS
Canada
CYCLOVAC
Canada
DIZAYN TEKNIK PLASTIK BORU VE ELEMANLARI SAN
Turkey
ECE BANYO GERECLERI SAN. TIC. A.S. DIS TICARET A.S.
Turkey
TEKMAR MARBLE INDUSTRY
Turkey
NINGBO JINTIAN COPPER TUBE COMPANY
China
SHENZHEN LITONG UNTIED IMPORTER AND EXPORTER COMPANY
China
TONGDY CONTROL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
China
PUTZMEISTER MÖRTELMASCHINEN
Germany
HÖRMANN KG VKG
Germany
LAPESA GRUPO EMPRESARIAL
Spain
MAUCID TRADE/ FAKOLITH
Spain
HIDRODEMOLICIONES, FRESADOS E INYECCIONES
Spain
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
37
are focusing on educating our end users and distributors on the importance of promoting and procuring fully certified, high quality fasteners.”
WHAT TO EXPECT VSL, a company that has been present at The Big 5 for several years will be displaying its range of technologies and capabilities in post-tensioning, heavy lifting, structural strengthening and repairs next month. Italy-based Mapei, a leader in adhesives, sealants and chemical products for building will also be attending the five-day exhibition, which will take place starting November 23. However, delegates can expect something different from the company this year. Up until very recently, Mapei has been well known for its range of adhesives and grouts, which are used to install ceramic and natural stone. But now, the company wants to present adhesives for other finishes such as wood, PVC and sports flooring. “We also have a unique range of substrate preparation products such as Topcem rapid
“THE BIG 5 SHOW IS A MAJOR EVENT ON OUR CALENDAR” hydrating screeds and Ultraplan high tolerance self levelers, which all help in achieving project deadlines without compromising quality,” says Mapei business development manager Laith Haboubi. “We will be presenting a variety of our most popular range of solutions through a series of sample slabs, which practically illustrate the build up of each material and layer to ensure the perfect job.” Mapei’s stand will be manned by a team of professionals who will provide visitors with advice on correct material selection and specification, as well as installation and finishing. The company will also be presenting two technical seminars during the show. Triplefast Middle East, a supplier and manufacturer of fasteners will present its range of products and have timed the intro-
KNAUF MARKETING MANAGER KERIM CAGLAR.
> For more special reports visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
VSL DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER STEPHEN BURKE.
“SAFETY IS OF THE UPMOST IMPORTANCE IN THIS FIELD” duction of its new line of gaskets, produced by its parent company, Lone Star Fasteners, with the exhibition. The company’s target markets include steel fabricators, desalination and water treatment plants, power stations and heavy engineering companies. Meanwhile, German company Sennebogen, a manufacturer of cranes and other heavy equipment, will make its first appearance at The Big 5 and will display two new products, in addition to the range already on the market. “We are mainly striving for the right solutions for our customers,” reports Sennebogen managing director Khalid
3000 EXHIBITORS FROM OVER
50 COUNTRIES ARE EXPECTED AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT
A RANGE OF EQUIPMENT, PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS IS EXPECTED TO BE DISPLAYED AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT.
Pappert. “For the interest of our clients, we use solid and robust technology to achieve maximum value and service-life for our equipment.”
Leed points that will add to their overall score,” says Caglar. VSL’s post tensioning technology also contributes to the environment by reducing CO² emissions in the construction process, GREEN SOLUTIONS according to the company’s deputy general During the boom times, the main focus of manager Stephen Burke. Overall post-tensioned structures have contractors and developers was to finish a building and move a reduced environon to the next and mental impact when “SEVENTY PERCENT the next after that. compared to more OF OUR GROUP RESEARCH Now, with new green traditional construcAND DEVELOPMENT building regulations, tion methods. For EXPENIDTURE GOES codes and standards example, the CO² INTO SUSTAINABLE AND coming into place GREEN PRODUCTS” emission for reinin the Middle East, forced concrete is construction companies are on the prowl 129.9kg CO² per m² compared to 95.3kg CO² for products and technologies that will per m² for post tensioning. “By using post help them contribute to a sustainable tensioning instead of reinforced concrete environment. And, this demand is on a typical high rise tower, you save on expected to be met at The Big 5, according structural concrete cross sections, allowing to some exhibitors. for thinner floors and slabs, thus giving rise “Our metal profiles are produced locally, to immediate reductions in concrete voltherefore projects in the UAE that use these umes and the related CO² from the cement products will, for logistical reasons, earn production,” he says.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
39
IN A TYPICAL YEAR THE
BIG 5 HAS AROUND
15,000 PRODUCTS ON SHOW
And, Mapei, which has been providing the industry with sustainable products since the 1980s doesn’t intend on stopping now. “Seventy percent of our group research and development expenditure goes into sustainable and green products,” reports Haboubi. “More than 150 Mapei products assist project designers and contractors in attaining Leed credits for projects where this is a requirement.”
SOME BIG 5 EXHIBITORS ARE EXPECTING AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR THEIR PRODUCTS AFTER THE SHOW.
SAFETY IS KEY Building failures in the Middle East, such as the car park collapse in Sharjah, UAE earlier this month has highlighted the fact that quality materials are not just in demand but are urgently needed. “We recently have seen buildings collapsing due to poor quality materials and I believe
contractors will start to become better educated on the importance of applying high quality materials (including fasteners) rather than opting for the cheapest prices available,” says Anderson. Due to the current market situation, contractors aim to reduce the cost and as a result, lots of non-standard materials have been imported and distributed in the market.
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It is therefore up to the contractor to choose the right suppliers, ask for load test certificates for the systems they buy and also ask for production certificates. German Formwork Technology has different systems for safety of the workers in the job sites, which will be exhibited at The Big 5. “Our safety systems are available to protect workers from falling down while they are near to the edge of a building or when they are pouring concrete for walls
or slabs,” says company general manager right products and systems for their needs, The Big 5 is expected to give subcontractors’ Adel Mir Riahi. This year’s exhibition will also see the businesses a lift. introduction of VSL’s carbon fibre rods, As German Formwork Technology makes which are being used for the structural its debut at the Big 5, Riahi is confident that strengthening of high rise building projects in his company will meet visitors that have the region. not seen its systems before. “Safety is of the utmost Caglar is also importance in this field,” positive about “I BELIEVE CONTRACTORS says Burke. “Our equipwhat the event will WILL START TO BECOME ment and processes lead to: “Once the BETTER EDUCATED ON incorporate the highlocal market sees THE IMPORTANCE OF est safety features and the quality of the APPLYING HIGH QUALITY we train our staff at our MATERIALS” metal profiles proDubai-based academy duced, they will on the safety aspects that have to be main- want to use these in their projects.” Haboubi agrees: “We believe that our tained on site.” products provide exceptional value to our POSITIVE OUTLOOK customers. If we are able to demonstrate FOR DEMAND these to visitors during the show then I As well as assisting the sector’s contractors, believe it should increase both enquiries developers and architects in purchasing the and demand for our products.”
WORLD-WIDE EXHIBITORS EUROPE
aluminum, glass, doors and windows; Romeo, an interior design specialist; Pretech, a manufacturer of prefabricated concrete; Madagypsum a fabricator of plasterboards and plasters; and Technobit which produces membranes.
Cinca from Portugal has a new range of tiles which incorporates wood into ceramics, and will also be announcing the opening of a new regional facility, which will specialise in manufacturing these tiles. Sennebogen, a German supplier and manufacturer of heavy machinery will present two new products. For the interest of its clients, the company uses technology, which prolongs the service-life of equipment.
NORTH AMERICA AND CANADA Unicel Architecture from Canada will be showcasing its new product, Vision Control Mini, which is an insulating glass unit, ideal for door insertions. The unit is environmentally friendly as it helps reduce energy consumption, maximises natural light, controls solar heat gain and reduces maintenance requirements. Laser Products Industries, a USAbased company will be bringing its T-55 XL Precision Laser Templator, which is used for the marble, glass and woodworking industries.
ASIA Hume Cemboard Industries from Malaysia will be launching a new type of environmentally friendly cement, which is 100% asbestos free – particularly topical given the recent debate in the UAE about introducing asbestos-use regulations. The product is also fire resistant, moisture resistant, thermal-insulated, weather resistant and sound insulated.
MIDDLE EAST Plastbau from the UAE has lightweight cement, which helps to reduce
construction time by around 40% and costs by 30%. Al Rajhi Holdings from Saudi Arabia will be bringing a range of its brands to exhibit including Cladtech, which will provide
SOUTH AMERICA Opt for Wood Architecture from Chile create prefabricated wooden buildings, and will be showcasing a range of construction systems, which are made out of wood.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
41
AN EXPERIENCE WHICH IS TRULY...
‘BEYOND EXCEPTIONAL’ # $ " #$ & $ $# $ #$ !" & # % " & ! $ " " " $ $# "# $" $ "# & ! "# " $ !% !" & $ # $ "# $ $' " # %" #! ) $ $ #$ % #$"% $ !" % $# # "& #
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23-26 November 2009 Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Organised by
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www.thebig5exhibition.com/visit
www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/directory
§ § § § § DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY SHOWCASE | TENDERS | PROJECTS | SUPPLIERS | CITY UPDATE
SHOWCASE 44 King Abdullah Financial District, Saudi Arabia 46 TENDERS 47 PROJECTS SPECIALIST SERVICES 48 Building materials 49 Construction chemicals/concrete 50 Education & training/flooring 51 Recruitment/steel CITY UPDATE 52 Al Ain, UAE
To advertise please call Shishir Desai +971 4 435 6375, or email shishir.desai@itp.com
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
43
¦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: Construction of KAFD started in November with the award of four parcels to Saudi Binladin Group and two parcels each to El Seif Engineering, Saudi Construction and Saudi Oger. The design and build contracts have a fast-tracked timeframe of 30 months with completion of the first stage expected to be around mid-2011. RIGHT: Contractors are currently doing basement work on the first stage of the project which covers 10 parcels of land. Every tower will have four levels of underground parking and currently around 2000m3 of concrete is being poured each day. It’s expected 4 million t3 will have been poured at the end of the second stage.
44
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
KING ABDULLAH FINANCIAL DISTRICT, SAUDI ARABIA Photos by George Dipin The US $10 billion (SR37.5 billion) King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is one of the largest construction projects in the Kingdom today. It involves the construction of more than 40 towers as well as all the facilities, amenities, utilities and transport networks you would come to expect in a well-designed city of the 21st century. Centrally located on King Fahd Highway, KAFD is destined to become the epicentre of the Kingdom’s burgeoning financial services sector as well as a sleek new business and entertainment hub for Riyadh. The development covers 1.6km2 and will have a total built up area of 5km2. Construction began in November 2008 and 70% of the project is expected to be finished by mid-2012 under a fast-tracked programme.
OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
45
To buy images within these pages please email itpimages@itp.com or visit itpimages.com
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Earlier this month Saudi Binladin Group was awarded a US $3.73 billion (SR14 billion) design and build contract for 30 parcels of land which make up stage two of KAFD, 27 of the parcels are due to be completed by March 2012 with the remaining three to be delivered in November 2012; government owned developers of the project Rayadah Investment Company said they chose only one contractor for the second stage to avoid logistical problems between contractors on site; Saudi Binladin’s first four parcels currently under construction are being designed by FXFowle while the master plan was designed by Denmark’s Henning Larsen.
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
ABU DHABI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT One of the biggest projects the Department of Transport (DoT) is planning as part of Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is the Abu Dhabi Metro. This development is set to be one of the largest construction projects in the world. In the first quarter of this year the DoT issued tenders for the consultancy services for preparing a study on the metro. The study will be carried out in three stages and will include the feasibility study, the preliminary design study and final contract documentation. Last month, DoT senior transportation planning specialist Abdul Gader Al Shabani announced that the feasibility study would begin in November and will take 21 months to complete. The client is currently evaluating bids for the contract. The main construction contract is set to be tendered in 2011.
To include your tenders in this section email tender details to editor@ConstructionWeekOnline.com
BAHRAIN Issuer: Ministry of Health Tender No: MOH/155/09 Description: Asphalting and landscaping for properties of the Bahrain Ministry of Health. Closes: November 4 Fees: BD15 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.bh EGYPT Issuer: The Housing Directorate Description: Four tenders for the construction of 29 residential buildings in Badr City. Closes: October 27 Fees: EP2000 each Contact: The General Secretariat, Abdeen, Cairo OMAN Issuer: Oman Tourism Development Company Tender No: 281/2009 Description: Consultancy services for the development of Khasab Hotel in Oman. Closes: October 26 Fees: OR300 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om Issuer: Ministry of Health Tender No: 278/2009 Description: Construction and maintenance of Sinaw Hospital extension. Closes: November 2 Fees: OR250 Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om QATAR Issuer: Central Tenders Committee Tender No: 77/2009/2010 Description: Construction of plaza and play yard at Al Wakkrah. Closes: October 26 Fees: QR300 Contact: www.ctc.gov.qa
46
THE PINK LINE INDICATES THE ROUTES FOR THE NEW ABU DHABI METRO.
Issuer: Central Tenders Committee Tender No: 78/2009-2010 Description: Construction of public parks and plaza at Al Rayyan. Closes: October 26 Fees: QR300 Contact: www.ctc.gov.qa Issuer: Public Works Authority Tender No: PWA/GTC/010/09-10 Description: Construction of trunk and internal sewers within Musaimeer – phase one. Closes: October 27 Fees: QR6000 Contact: Contract department, Public Works Authority 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 SAUDI ARABIA Issuer: Holy Makkah Municipality Tender No: 4/00/00/296/1/2/19 Description: Construction of pedestrian facilities in several areas of Makkah. Closes: October 24 Fees: SR5000 Contact: www.holymakkah.gov.sa Issuer: Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu Tender No: 655-C13 Description: Construction of sports centres at Al Ferdos and Jalmudah. Closes: October 25 Fees: SR9000 Contact: Contracts section, directorate general of Royal Commission in Jubail, PO Box 10001, Jubail Industrial City Issuer: Ministry of Finance Tender No: 1193
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
Description: Expansion of the Ministry of Finance in Qassim. Closes: November 3 Fees: SR1000 Contact: www.mof.gov.sa Issuer: Saline Water Conversion Corporation Tender No: MT-384 Description: Replacement of high voltage cables. Closes: November 7 Fees: SR500 Contact: www.swcc.gov.sa 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 UAE
ONE TO WATCH Issuer: Abu Dhabi Department of Transport Description: Feasibility study for the Abu Dhabi Metro Project value: unknown Award date: October/November 2009 Contact: www.transportabudhabi.ae Issuer: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Tender No: CNE/606/2007® Description: The construction of Hassyan Power and Desalination Station. Closes: November 8 Fees: AED5000 Contact: Head office of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
> For more tenders check online at www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/tenders
¦PROJECTS
> For the latest projects information visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/projects
§ PROJECTS
A UAE DATABASE - BUILDING PROJECTS FOCUS TO LIST YOUR PROJECTS IN THIS COLUMN EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM
Project focus
ADNOC HEADQUARTERS The project calls for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company headquarters. The complex will be built on site of the current headquarters, which is based on Corniche Street. The US $250 million (AED918 million) development will include an office tower, podium and atrium, as well as an underground parking block. Demolishing of the existing building is currently in progress and phase one of the development is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2012, with the final phase to be completed in 2014. Arabian Foundation Engineering is the main contractor for the enabling works, while Hill International is the project manager.
PROJECT TITLE
THE NEW HQ WILL REPLACE OLD OFFICES.
CLIENT
CONSULTANT
MAIN CONTRACTOR
VALUE (US$MN)
STATUS
CITY OF LIGHTS - C10, C10A AND C11
Tamouh Investments
Palm & Turner Architects
China State Construction & Engineering Corporation
101 - 250
project under construction
ROYAL CITY SEASONS HOTEL IN ABU DHABI
City Seasons Group
James Cubitt & Partners
Tae Young Contracting
101 - 250
project under construction
RITAJ MIXED-USE COMPLEX IN DIP
Dubai Investments Real Estate Company
Al Jabal Consultants
Robust Contracting
155
project under construction
NCC HARMONY TOWERS AT DUBIOTECH
NCC Urban
Islamic Architects
Al Mubarakia Contracting
408
project under construction
AL FALAH DEVELOPMENT IN ABU DHABI - 2000 VILLAS
Aldar Properties
Al Torath Engineering Consultants
El Seif Engineering & Contracting Comany
251 - 500
project under construction
SYNERGY TOWER IN SHAMS ON REEM ISLAND
Sanaya Investment
Adnan Saffarini
Not Appointed
UNION CO-OPERATIVE HYPERMARKET IN AL BARSHA
Union Cooperative
Archdome Consulting Engineers
Bu Haleeba Contracting
33
project under construction
CAMBRIDGE BUSINESS CENTRE IN DUBAI SILICON OASIS
Memon Investments
Adnan Saffarini
Cairo Contracting
22
project under construction
ARJAAN HOTEL APARTMENTS IN ADNEC
Bin Hamoodah Properties
GA Architects & Engineers
Not Appointed
ICONIC RESTAURANT IN AL RAHA BEACH
Aldar Properties
KEO International Consultants
Al Ahmadiah Cont./Global Timber Homes
FRANKFURT SPORTS TOWER 1 IN DSC
Memon Investments
Al Hatmy Design & Engineering Consultancy
Not Appointed
THE VILLA IN DUBAILAND - PHASE 3
Dubai Properties
Shadeed Engineering
Al Shafar General Contracting
LILIES TOWER IN EMIRATES CITY
R Holdings
Adnan Saffarini
Abou Seif Building Contracting Company
CHAMPIONS TOWER II IN DUBAI SPORTS CITY
Memon Investments
Adnan Saffarini
Al Sarh Contracting
30
project under construction
CHAMPIONS TOWER III IN DUBAI SPORTS CITY
Memon Investments
Adnan Saffarini
Al Sarh Contracting
40
project under construction
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT ON MARJAN ISLAND
Solanki Holdings & Investments
Kassian (Canada)
Not Appointed
SAMI BUSINESS TOWER IN BUSINESS BAY
ACI Real Estate
Dimensions Engineering Consultants
Saquer Engineering & Contracting Enterprise
UAE
31 - 100
4 92
project under design
award awaited for the construction contract project under construction award awaited for the construction contract
31 - 100
project under construction
87
project under construction
2450 31 - 100
project under design project under construction
To list your projects in this section email details to editor@ConstructionWeekOnline.com
31 - 100
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
GREEN PRECAST SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES MANUFACTURER OF PRECAST SYSTEMS AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
To advertise please call +971 4 435 6375 or email shishir.desai@itp.com
New to the Middle East, Green Precast Systems and Technologies is introducing a technology to the market, which is aimed to be greener, stronger and safer to use than traditional precast systems. Durable concrete, reinforced with steel is poured into a pre made mould and when set, contains the main components of a structure resembling a building block. These building blocks can then be arranged and stacked to create a self supporting building structure, up to 10 storeys high. The system has been on the market for over 50 years and the company is currently managing a global demand for this product and other technologies. Green Precast Systems and Technologies also manufacturers and supplies a thermal UV-IR reflective paint solution, which has a solar reflective index rating of 113%, reflecting ultra violet and infra red light to provide savings up to 50% on ongoing cooling costs. It also provides a water system, offering up to 90% saving on irrigation and flushing water; and a light solution, proposing a saving on energy bills of up to 85%. At this year’s Abu Dhabi Cityscape, the company announced that they will be creating 2000 jobs in the UAE to implement the technologies into local projects. Al Rayan Investment was the first company to select this new technology and signed a contract worth
GREEN PRECAST HAS BEEN BASED IN ABU DHABI FOR TWO YEARS.
US $122.5 million (AED450 million) to deliver the Modern Residential City, providing accommodation for 25,000 people by 2010.
BUILDING MATERIALS
48
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
BUILDING MATERIALS
HARD LANDSCAPING SUPPLIER
CONCRETE
§ SPECIALIST SERVICES
> For directory information visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/directory
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 OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
49
To advertise please call +971 4 4 435 6375 or email shishir.desai@itp.com
CONSTRUCTION/MANUFACTURERS
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
CONTRACTORS/MANUFACTURERS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
To advertise please call +971 4 435 6375 or email shishir.desai@itp.com
HVAC & PLUMBING RELATED EQUIPMENT
PP CORRUGATED SHEETS
LANDSCAPING
50
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
RECRUITMENT
RECRUITMENT
,OOKING TO RECRUIT WORKERS FROM
)NDIA .EPAL
"ANGLADESH 3RI ,ANKA
0HILIPPINES 4HAILAND
ยง SPECIALIST SERVICES
> For directory information visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/directory
6IETNAM 0AKISTAN
OR LOCAL LABOUR SUPPLY 7E ALSO UNDERTAKE -IGRATION 3ERVICE TO !USTRALIA #ANADA 4EL &AX % MAIL ASSIDUAA EIM AE STEEL
STEEL
HEM, IPE, IPN, UPN
STEEL
WOOD AND TIMBER
To advertise please call +971 4 4 435 6375 or email shishir.desai@itp.com
OCTOBER 24โ 30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
51
THANOS LAZOPOULOS/ITP IMAGES
CITY UPDATE AL AIN, UAE
UNDER PLAN AL AIN 2030, VILLAS WILL BE DELIVERED TO SUIT THE LOCAL ARCHITECTURE.
Gains in Al Ain THE AL AIN MARKET HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL – BUT ALSO A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY. CW FINDS OUT MORE By James Boley
A
s one of the smaller cities of the UAE, Al Ain doesn’t carry the same brash cachet as Abu Dhabi or Dubai. However, its status as a ‘garden city’, easy access to both of the UAE’s major hubs, and its historic status mean that while the rewards are smaller, there’s still potential for development.
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Much like the UAE capital, which is being developed according to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has developed a Plan Al Ain 2030. This is designed to maintain the historic
“THE GOVERNMENT WILL FINANCE ALL OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORK REQUIRED TO BUILD THE HOUSES & INFRASTRUCTURE”
CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
character of the city, while also ensuring the city doesn’t get left behind the rest of the UAE. “Through a balance of conservation and development, Plan Al Ain 2030 will foster the authentic Arabic identity of Al Ain while supporting a continuously evolving modern culture,” explains Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of UPC. The plan particularly focuses on preserving the oases that surround the city, and providing housing for UAE nationals in the area. Phase one has five specific initiatives - using available land intelligently, increasing density within the buildings and city centre, preserving surrounding agricultural areas, creating a surface tram system, and
“PLAN AL AIN 2030 WILL FOSTER THE AUTHENTIC ARABIC IDENTITY WHILE SUPPORTING A CONTINUOUSLY EVOLVING MODERN CULTURE” with the plan have either been shelved or delayed. Aldar’s Noor Al Ain, a US $575 million (AED2 billion) mixed use freehold development is now ‘on hold’ until further notice. Meanwhile, bidding for tenders on the $136 million Al Ain Oasis project by International Capital Trading (ICT) is due to start in Q4 this year. A spokesperson for ICT confirmed the project is ongoing. Al Ain is a city with a great deal of potential. However, until the uncertainty around the timing of contract awards is cleared up, it’s unlikely that the city will be able to provide opportunities that will rival the other UAE urban centres. GEORGE DIPIN/ITP IMAGES
protecting designated environmental zones. Government funding will play a large role in providing infrastructure and housing, according to Al Ain Municipality urban planning director Talal Al Salamani. “The government will finance all of the construction work required to build the houses and the infrastructure,” he says. “The villa prototypes will be delivered in a way that will suit the Emirati family size and the architectural style will be blended into the architecture of the city of Al Ain.” However, since the plan was unveiled in Q2 this year, the ongoing financial crisis has meant many of the projects associated
AS PART OF PLAN AL AIN 2030, DEVELOPERS WILL NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AL AIN’S HISTORIC BACKGROUND WHEN PLANNING NEW PROJECTS.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK APRIL 4–10, 2009
ConstructSAFE Environment
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
> For the ConstructSafe comic strip log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
Introducing the Construct Safe lead characters (from Left to Right)
experience. Poor health, safety & welfare knowledge
Raoul: Senior Supervisor with 30 years experience and good health, safety & welfare knowledge
Farik: Apprentice labourer new to the industry with no experience. Poor health, safety & welfare knowledge
Achmat: Construction labourer with little
Illustrations by Jincom Publishing
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OCTOBER 24–30, 2009 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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DIALOGUE HABIBA AL MARASHI Green ambition Emirates Environmental Group chairperson Habiba Al Marashi talks about the organisation’s aims to encourage green building and sustainable design
By Sarah Blackman
How are you actively encouraging developers to go green?
The Emirates Environmental Group’s (EEG) programmes and activities are designed to raise environmental awareness and encourage pro-action from different groups including developers, architects and product manufacturers. EEG’s major programmes i.e. waste management, environmental education and corporate social responsibility all serve as a baseline so builders can develop local green building programmes.
not. These benefits include energy and water savings, reduced waste, reduced absenteeism, reduced employee health costs and lower operations and maintenance costs. So really, the question is not how much more does green cost; but in fact how green can we be in our given budget Why do you think some contractors and developers are discouraged from green building?
Developers need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable development when planning and implementing buildings and they need be transparent in reporting their plans to their suppliers, workers and the community at large.
The concept of ‘green buildings’ is still new in the region and there are no specific standards or rating systems to follow yet. When the mindset is to build very quickly and make a profit then there is no consideration given to securing renewable energy. Furthermore, most people assume that responsibility should come from the government and that mindset will have to change.
Was the Green Day Conference at Cityscape well received?
What are the goals of your group?
What should developers be focusing on in 2010 in terms of green building?
It was very well received and is one of the value added To contribute positively to the advancement of sustainable events to Cityscape. The event was focused on sharing development in the UAE by acting as a focal point for people ideas and knowledge and not just having speeches and concerned with environment protection and sound waste presentations. The concept of Green Day highlights the fact management. We wish to assist concerned authorities, that the construction industry- known where possible, to increase the level as one of the biggest polluters of the of public awareness on all local Habiba Al Marashi is the co-founder and environment- is stepping up and taking and global environmental issues. chairperson of Emirates Environmental charge of its social and environmental Further, we want to promote positive Group, a non-government organisation responsibilities. It was an event that environmental action by individuals based in Dubai. Marashi is a UAE national not only spoke about green buildings, and encourage the public at large who began her professional career working but also included illuminating talks, to accept that each individual has a with the UAE’s Chambers of Commerce discussions and question and answer responsibility to help preserve and and Industry and Dubai Development sessions on topics such as energy saving protect the environment. Another one Board. She played a key role in the growth issues. I was invited to speak about of our goals is to propagate community of the EEG, which is the only active, multiencouraging the construction industry to waste reduction and recycling both as sectoral organisation in the UAE that has adopt environmentally friendly building a means of protecting the environment successfully brought the government, practices. This topic highlighted the fact from the long-term burden of waste private sector and community under the that approximately 8000 buildings in the and also as a flagship for improving the same banner. Through her leadership, region are currently green but each and community’s environmental awareness. she initiated the first corporate social every piece of construction should look We aim to compile a database on various responsibility network in the country at changing their approach to achieve a environmental issues and make it in 2004 with local and multinational sustainable environment. available to the public and institutions. companies. She has been a board member Finally, we wish to encourage and invite of the UN Global Compact since 2006 and How can green building benefit active participation by individuals businesses financially? president of the UN Global Compact GCC from the business community who are States Local Network. Green buildings provide financial experts on various environmental issues benefits that conventional buildings do including our areas of concentration.
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK OCTOBER 24–30, 2009
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