The Big 5 2009 Show Dubai News - Day 3

WWW.THEBIG5EXHIBITION.COM

NOVEMBER 25, 2009 [DAY 3]

In association with

Saudi sustainability chief on green hunt

OF TRUMP 29SON ON PROPERTY Donald Trump Jr speaks about property prospects

33

BUYER’S GUIDE: SCAFFOLDING

Ten top tips on scaffolding from industry experts

Those in first have chance to stake claim in Saudi green building market, says Faden Saudi Green Building Council (SGBC) chairman Sultan Faden, yesterday told the CW Big 5 Daily that there’s “tremendous” opportunity for green building products and specialists in Saudi Arabia and that he is here at the Big 5 show especially in search of them.

“It’s no secret that sustainability and environment friendly practices in the UAE are way ahead of Saudi Arabia in terms of what’s available and implementation. It is also no secret that Saudi Arabia is now the biggest construction market in the GCC, so it makes complete business sense for people to prioritise the kingdom when it comes to green products,” said Faden.

In June, prince Saud bin Khalid Al Faisal, director of operations, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia) said at a symposium that investment in the Saudi power and energy sector as well as economic cities could reach US $80 billion (SR300 billion).

In August, it was revealed that less than 80 active projects, with a total value of about $20 billion had been put on hold or cancelled in Saudi, according to Dubai-based research house Proleads. The body examined more than 720 construction projects with a total budget of

Sultan Faden is hunting green building solutions suited to Saudi Arabia.

more than $430 billion across commercial, retail, education, healthcare, leisure and entertainment and residential sectors.

But most green product suppliers are more interested in markets such as the UAE and Qatar - countries which have expressed a sincere

need towards green construction.

Saudi Arabia is not a prime focus at the moment.

Green Precast Systems and Technologies CEO Salvatore Saker said he would definitely increase his focus on Saudi Arabia if the green issue picks up pace in the kingdom.

“Everyone is turning to green solutions now. The seriousness of the global environment is upon us and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes top priority for all governments.” Green Precast offers value engineering services along with certified green products for water conservation and fire safety.

Jehan Green Walls Systems general manager Cedric Pinto agreed with Saker saying he would also like to focus on Saudi’s growing green agenda.

“We’re concentrating on establishing ourselves here in the UAE first, but if Saudi Arabia is making positive moves towards green construction, we’d be more than happy to contribute to its greening.”

But Faden says the industry need not worry about Saudi’s intentions, as going green is fast climbing the political priority list.

“Saudi has quite successfully implemented a smoking ban in all public buildings and the government has also banned sand exports, in order to preserve as much natural resources as it can, so the attitude towards sustainable construction and things such as air quality is changing in Saudi and those who are here first are the ones who will be able to get a hold on the market.”

FIRMS IN 41ASIAN FOCUS AT BIG 5

A look at the Asian suppliers that are on show right now

CLIENTS 73HVAC WANT QUALITY Buyers still want the best for vital element in building

An ITP Business Publication on behalf of dmg World Media Dubai

SHOW INFORMATION The Big 5 2009 show timings: 23-26 November 11am - 8pm The Big 5 venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Visitors are encouraged to pre-register online at www.thebig5exhibition.com to ensure quick and easy access. On-site registration is available for trade and business professionals only. Persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.

BE THE FIRST TO SEE RAK FREE TRADE ZONE WILL UNPACK

A NEW RANGE OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS AT THE BIG 5

Warehouses PACKAGE FEATURES

TO 4,477 SQ. FT. Ě SIZES RANGING FROM 1,614 TURING AND WAREHOUSING Ě SUITABLE FOR LIGHT MANUFAC INSULATED ROOF AND S WALL Ě PRECAST, CONCRETE HT HEIG IN FT. 23.5 TO UP Ě S Ě BUILT IN OFFICE AND AMENITIE

FT. FOR ONLY AED 19 PER SQ.

FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION VISIT US AT THE BIG 5 FROM 23-26 NOVEMBER, 2009 FIND THE RAK FTZ TEAM AT STAND 521, ON THE MAIN CONCOURSE, DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

Terms and conditions apply

RAK FREE TRADE ZONE AUTHORITY - GOVERNMENT OF RAS AL KHAIMAH TOLL FREE 8 0 0 -RAKFZ ( 7 2 5 3 9 ) EM A IL INQU IRY@RAKFTZ.COM

P H ONE +971 7 2041111 W EBSITE WWW.RAKFTZ.C OM

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Green Precast calls for ‘value’ Better understanding of value engineering will help the local market mature, says Green Precast CEO Hall 10, A97 Abu Dhabi-based Green Precast Systems and Technologies is exhibiting at The Big 5 this year and is promoting the importance of ‘value engineering’ in the bigger construction process.

CEO Salvatore Saker said the sooner companies begin to understand the “value” of value engineering, the quicker the market will mature.

“Most government entities and developers have now understood the importance of green products in the bigger construction picture, but confusion over costs and what is needed to go green still exists,” said Saker.

“This is what we’d like to bring to people’s attention.

Green products do not cost any more than regular products and the sooner value

engineering is incorporated into projects, the better. Value engineering saves a huge percentage of the total project cost. More awareness about this is what is needed in order to take the industry forward.”

Value enginering is a methodology used to improve functionality and/or reduce costs without compromising quality. GE is usually credited as its pioneer.

Saker also stressed that the company is called “green” because along with its precast building solution and value engineering, it has other environment-friendly solutions including wastewater management and energy efficient lighting solutions. “People would obviously want their projects to last a long time,” continues Saker, “and for that the core must be right.”

Saker: The core of a building must be right if it is to last.

Kemper helps to reduce Enthusiasm for specialist threat of Legionnaire’s glasswork proves strong Zabeel Hall German Legionnella could pose a Pav huge risk to Middle Eastern countries, a hygiene systems firm has reported. “Legionnaire’s disease causes hundreds of deaths per year in Germany, and that is where safety standards are the very highest, it is a huge issue,” said Achim Maiworm, general sales manager, Kemper Hygiene Systems at The Big 5.

KHS offers a periodic flushing system for all types of buildings, including hospitals, doctor surgeries and hotels.

The automatic flushing system ensures that water is not left standing for a long amount of time, reducing the risk of it turning stagnant and microbiology forming in the water.

The technology of the KHS product involves the Venturi principle of lower pressure in one nozzle causing a pressure differential; this then creates a flow from ring pipe into the wet cell.

The units offered by KHS

can also ensure water is kept at a certain temperature decided by the end user. “The user can decide at what level to keep the water, for drinking water they may want the water at 22 degrees to be on the safe side, this is entirely up to

the user,” stated Maiworm.

However, there are some challenges facing the product in the Middle East. “This technology is not cheap, and may cost a lot at the beginning.

However we believe that safety must be more important.”

Maiworm: Kemper’s system cuts down on stagnant water.

Hall 8 D355 Tradition Stained Glass has received a number of strong enquiries over the course of the exhibition. The Australiabased stained glass specialist has been visited by designers from a diverse range markets, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya, Iraq and even the US, over the last few days.

“I met with an interior architect from Saudi Arabia who was very interested in working with us on a new mosque that she is designing,” said owner and creative director, Kim Fitzpatrick.

“That was very interesting for me. Working on a mosque is on my wish list of things to do. I have always dreamed of having my work featured in a mosque,” he added.

The family-owned business, which is located in Hall 8 Stand D335, specialises in creating one-off, stained glass pieces for architectural applications. This includes top-end residences, palaces, mosques,

Fitzpatrick has received interest from several countries.

hotels and restaurants. “Every single piece of glass is hand cut by craftsmen and then put together according to traditional methods that have been passed down by my grandfather. We are using very traditional methods and then mixing them with contemporary designs. That blend of old and new is key to the quality of our products,”

said Fitzpatrick. The company has appointed an exclusive UAE agent, Mobilia Australiana General Trading, and is keen to do more work in this region. “We are looking for that top-end, distinctive client base. We want to get into that segment of the market where people are discerning and want something that lasts,” Fitzpatrick explained.

Der Leitwolf. The leader of the pack – live at BIG 5. Visit us: Stand Zabeel N113

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

3

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS In association with

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Solar heaters arrive Megasun believes the region will embrace solar heating techniques

Registered at Dubai Media City ITP Business Publishing, PO Box 500024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates tel +971 4 435 6000 fax +971 4 435 6080 Offices in Dubai & London ITP BUSINESS PUBLISHING CEO Walid Akawi Managing Director Neil Davies Deputy Managing Director Matthew Southwell Editorial Director David Ingham VP Sales Wayne Lowery Publishing Director Jason Bowman EDITORIAL Senior Group Editor Stuart Matthews Editor Conrad Egbert tel +971 4 435 6256, email conrad.egbert@itp.com Online Editor James Boley tel +971 4 435 6268, email james.boley@itp.com Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Editor Benjamin Millington tel +973 1 756 4111, email ben.millington@itp.com News Editor Matthew Warnock tel +971 435 6179, email matthew.warnock@itp.com Assistant Editor Sarah Blackman tel +971 4 435 6278, email sarah.blackman@itp.com MEP Editor Gerhard Hope tel +971 4 435 6252, email gerhard.hope@itp.com PMV Editor Greg Whitaker tel +971 4 435 6263, email greg.whitaker@itp.com Contributing Editor Alison Luke

Hall 8 C341 Exceptional footfall and region-wide interest have delivered a great start to Big 5 for Greek solar water heating technology firm Megasun, but a senior executive says technology adoption is a critical issue for the region.

The UAE will have to embrace solar water heating technologies in order to meet their Kyoto Treaty commitments, according to Yanni Vassalos, export sales man-

ager of Megasun Solar Energy Systems. “The UAE has led the way for much of the region in terms of its commitment to the Kyoto and Johannesburg environmental treaties, but is not yet embracing the simple solutions that will make that possible,” explains Vassalos.

The company, exhibiting at its second Big 5 event, is here to promote its solar water heating panel and tank systems, and has been encouraged by activity so far.

“Personally I’ve never had so much interest and made so many contacts in the first two days of a trade show. My challenge now is to convert a lot of that footfall into some concrete business,” Vassalos says.

Megasun is looking for a network of distributors to take its product to the wider Middle East, having already made significant inroads into the Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets. “What I really want from Big 5 is to find a dis-

ADVERTISING Commercial director Raz Islam tel +971 4 435 6371, email raz.islam@itp.com Business Development Manager Alex Bendiouis tel +971 4 435 6324, email alex.bendiouis@itp.com Key Account Manager Leigh Wright tel +971 4 435 6473, email leigh.wright@itp.com Online Sales Manager Scott Woodall tel +971 4 435 6172, email scott.woodall@itp.com STUDIO Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott Art Editor Simon Cobon Art Editor Nadia Puma Director of Photography Sevag Davidian Chief Photographer Nemanja Seslija Senior Photographers Efraim Evidor, Khatuna Khutsishvili Staff Photographers Khaled Termanini, Jovana Obradovic, Rajesh Raghav, Ruel Pableo, Lyubov Galushko PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Group Production Manager Kyle Smith Production Manager Eleanor Zwanepoel Production Coordinator Devaprakash V.A Managing Picture Editor Patrick Littlejohn Image retoucher Emmalyn Robles Distribution Manager Karima Ashwell Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami CIRCULATION Head of Circulation & Database Gaurav Gulati MARKETING Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell Deputy Marketing Manager Annie Chinoy tel +971 4 435 6133, email annie.chinoy@itp.com EVENTS & CONFERENCES Director, Conferences, Marketing & Events Kimon Alexandrou Producer Oscar Wendel ITP GROUP Chairman Andrew Neil Managing Director Robert Serafin Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Board of Directors KM Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin Corporate website www.itp.com Circulation customer service tel: +971 4 435 6000 Web www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com ITP Images Certain images in this issue are available for purchase.

Please contact itpimages@itp.com for further details or visit www.itpimages.com Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions Printed by Atlas Printing Press L.L.C. Dubai Controlled Distribution by Blue Truck The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing.

An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

Published by and © 2009 ITP Business Publishing, a division of the ITP Publishing Group ltd, registered in the British Virgin Islands company number 1402846

4

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Yanni Vassalos: Wants to turn occasional regional sales into a reliable business stream.

tributor who can sell directly into Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. This year, we have already sold three full shipping containers to Iraq and more to Syria, but we want a network in the Middle East which can transform occasional sales into a reliable business stream.”

According to Vassalos, the products on display are capable of heating 300 litres of water to 75 degrees Celsius in just a couple of hours, even on cloudy mornings in this region. “The systems we have on display are suitable for single residential units right up to industrial sized plant facilities, and obviously in the Middle East the application of this technology could result in real utility bill savings.”

The company is hoping to turn the 2% of business the Middle East currently represents into 10% within two years. “Last time we were at Big 5 was in 1995. We then shifted our sales focus to Europe, then the Caribbean and most recently Africa. This is our second big push and I’m confident Big 5 will deliver what we are after this time.”

Firms take harder look at concrete Zabeel Hall X27 The economic crisis has given companies the chance to take a step back and look again at their products, services and projects, according to an industry expert.

“There is no denying there has been decline in the industry, and there is no longer cash in abundance. But it is important that companies have been prudent, not just penny pinching,” stated Tony Hogg, managing director of CureCrete.

“The crisis has given us breathing space to refocus and make sure the things that are needed to be done to ensure good business are being done well,” he added.

CureCrete supplies a concrete strengthening product, which can potentially make concrete 40% harder. “This is a new concept in the Middle East region. It has been around in Europe for around 60 years, but for this region it is fairly new. Our product comes with a 20 year warranty but the challenge remains in educating people in this region on why they must start using it,” commented Hogg.

CureCrete has been operating in the Middle East for just two years, despite being operational in Europe for much longer. “Anyone that uses the product over says it gets better and better; the more years that pass, the better the prod-

uct shows itself to be. One project in Europe, we sealed in 1969 and it is still in today,” Hogg said.

Challenges still remain for the company however. Even with the stronger concrete, end users in the Middle East

can weaken their concrete with poor finishing and placement. Building standards are also an issue for the company.

“Ultimately it is the guy on the site who makes the final decision and it is hard to police that,” affirmed Hogg.

CureCrete’s concrete hardening technology is 60 years old.

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Demand still on the rise French firm to Critical coatings and sealants still offer good business for suppliers

enter the region

Hall 4 A181 The growth of architectural finishes is moving at a fast pace, building material suppliers have revealed.

There is still a clear demand for sealants, paints and coatings in today’s market despite the economic downturn.

“Many projects are being put on hold or cancelled during the crisis once they are the sub-structure stage of development,” said Emirates Specialties area manager Shakeel Ahmed.

“But, those projects that have reached the superstructure stage tend to go on to be completed so our building materials are still very popular.”

Henkle Polybit Industries, a manufacturer of water-

Ubi France 4 C152 French plywood specialist Joubert is setting up a new branch in Ras Al Khaimah as part of its first steps into the Middle East, it has been revealed.

Joubert received its trade license on Sunday from Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) after months of visiting the Gulf.

“For us it is a new market and a new opportunity,” said Joubert general manager Michael Geoffroy. “We have been coming to Dubai every month this year and we have also visited Qatar and Bahrain. Although Dubai has been hit by the downturn, projects are still on-going here and we see a gap in the market for our product.”

proofing products and allied construction chemicals from Germany also claims to be progressing well.

“The demand for our products is increasing. We even recruited 30 people this year rather than letting people go and we have recently opened three new offices in Saudi Arabia,” explains company general marketing manager Thorsten Schneider.

A bitumen membrane manufacturer initially, Henkel Polybit today has a range of products, including sealants and concrete related products like epoxy coatings and adhesives.

Speaking about The Big 5 2009 Schneider said: “This is an excellent platform to show what we can do and promote

the products we have. We are looking forward to meeting new delegates and introducing them to our systems.”

“We have come here to introduce our products and systems to the world and The

Big 5 is the perfect place to do so. We are hoping for an increased demand of our systems after the exhibition has finished because there will be people here who haven’t seen our systems before.”

Henkel Polybit can be found in Hall 4.

Free zones allow businesses to hold 100% ownership of their company, which is one of the reasons Joubert decided to move into RAK FTZ. “We have a product that is of very high quality and is not sold in the UAE so we need to do the marketing ourselves.

That’s why we decided to set up in a free zone so we have full ownership and it seemed like the right option for us at the time.”

Geoffroy added that new proposed UAE ownership laws, which could allow foreign investors to establish themselves outside a free zone, may effect future decisions.

“We will see how things go. The new law may give us more freedom.”

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 24, 2009

5

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

FAAC unlocks regional market Italian firm eyes regional success with its range of automated doors, bollards and parking systems Hall 6 A279 As a relatively new player in the regional market, Italian automation giant FAAC is using The Big 5 week to expand the company’s profile. Its push into the region is supported by the recent opening of its first regional office, in Dubai, in June this year.

Among FAAC’s portfolio are automatic doors, automatic barriers and parking systems, access control and bollards, tubular motors and gates, and door and garage door automation products.

“We are known in our home market as one of the automation giants, and as a group of companies, FAAC has an annual turnover of US $270 million,” said Fabio Tomi, FAAC’s

UAE country manager. “So our clients in Europe are already very comfortable with the brand. In the Middle East, it’s completely different; the perception is that FAAC is just one of a number of companies, all of which offer a similar type of product.”

But Tomi is working hard to reset this perception. “We opened the office in Dubai, because we need to have a direct influence on this market,” he continued. “My mission today is to promote our presence and get our message out there, and I believe it’s starting to work.”

One of FAAC’s most obvious product propositions is its automatic barriers, 8000 of which are being utilised on

Italy’s major network of toll roads. Tomi says that these barriers have a five-year warranty and operate as many two million lifts before any maintenance is required. One version even includes what the executive says is the fastest response opening time in the industry, of 0.8 seconds.

Given the need for this type of product in the Middle East, Tomi feels he is starting to make headway with the right agencies. “We’ve made strong connections with local authorities here and are in the process of giving live demonstrations,” he stated. “The main message is the reliability of our products – that’s the core of our technology and a huge sign of our experience.”

Fabio Tomi: “We are known in our home market [Italy] as one of the automation giants.”

A race to the Finnish stand Scandinavian lift trucks generate huge interest on day two of show Hall 8 F338 The Dino Lift family of trailers, spreaders and self-propelled lift vehicles for aerial work caused a real buzz in Hall 8 on days one and two.

Pasi Uusi-Kuitti, sales director of Finland’s leading aerial access lift solution company, Dino Lift, said that he was hoping that this year’s Big 5 would be the one to propel his

high quality machines into the regional space in a big way.

“This is our fifth Big 5 and we are really hunting for either a region-wide distributor or representative, or country specific dealerships which can push the products in the Middle East,” said Uusi-Kuitti.

Currently, the firm has no direct sales into the region and has struggled to convince

the local market that its machines are worth the additional expenditure. “We are not the cheapest in the market, but we are the most reliable; we use the most modern electronic control systems,” he said.

Dino Lift is bringing its new self-propelled RXT-series lift trucks to Big 5 and the Middle East for the first time, and is hoping they will cause a stir.

The vehicles have a maximum working height of 26.5 metres and outreach of 11.7 metres, allowing a greater reach over obstacles with an articulated riser and telescopic boom.

“We offer a build quality that is unsurpassed, even by our European competitors. We may not be the cheapest, but we are like a Volvo in terms of quality,” said Uusi-Kuitti.

Uusi-Kuitti: “We offer a build quality that is unsurpassed.”

P.O. Box 28078, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: (+971)4-2729 711 Fax: (+971)4-2729 622 Email: tti_dubai@yahoo.com Web: www.ttiuae.com

WA Series Super Low Noise Technology

6

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

KX Series Industrial Tower

w w w. r e e m a l u m . c o m

“Next Generation Curtain Wall Designers and Builders�

Reem Emirates Aluminum (REA) and its subsidiaries: Reem Emirates Glass (REG); Reem Emirates Metals (REM) & Reem Emirates Cladding (REC), boasts of its factory as the largest in the Middle East and GCC market, equipped with complete line of the most sophisticated equipments and state-of-the-art technology to be able to meet the ever increasing demands for architectural cladding elements.

With its unparalleled business expertise matched with a team of highly professional engineers and architects, Reem Emirates Aluminum carefully blends creativity and ingenuity to produce competitive products that meet the exacting architectural requirements of its clients such as: Double Skin Active Walls l Conventional Curtain Walls l Unitized Curtain Walls l 3D Metal Structures l Metal Cladding Spider Walls l Sliding & Casement Windows, Doors l Shop Fronts, Doors, Windows, Balustrades l Skylights l Domes l Grilles & Clusters Rolling Shutters Special l Architectural Featured BMS l Fully Tempered/Toughened Glass l Heat Strengthened Glass l Insulated/Double Glazed Units l Laminated Glass l Stainless Steel Architectural Metal Products

Tel.: +971 2 599 4200

Fax: +971 2 550 1812

P.O.Box 36863 Abu Dhabi, UAE

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

VSL eyes local growth NetsWork grabs VSL Middle East contemplates expansion into Kuwait and Bahrain Hall 2 F91 VSL Middle East is looking to expand in the Middle East region, as it predicts a bright 2010 for the company.

VSL has a wide range of products, but works mainly in the field of post tensioning systems for bridges and for buildings. The company works with different grades of steel with different diameters.

“I think as all companies have, we have faced problems

with the crisis and sales have been lower. However, the region is now behaving in a positive way, and there are a lot of projects in Qatar and Saudi,” revealed Mariana Santome, engineer operations and technical support at VSL. “We are looking to expand our business into Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, the whole region,” she added.

Santome also revealed that the company has recently

been awarded a project in Abu Dhabi and is looking to secure contracts in Doha in the near future. “We think 2010 will be a good year; the beginning of the year might be a little slow, but this will give people time to plan for the rest of the year.

We expect things to pick up,” she said.

One of the issues that the company is facing is getting the message to clients that sometimes paying more in the

Mariana Santome: “We are looking to expand our business into Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.”

short term can result in savings in the long term.

“There are a lot of companies in the market from China and India, but quality wise our products are much better. We feel that companies should be looking for quality rather than price. Nobody can afford having an accident on site,” said Santome.

“It makes more sense to invest a little bit more on quality product. The market is difficult and challenging, but we have seen things pick up. The outlook is positive,” she added.

Educating clients in this respect is absolutely vital, according to Santome. “We definitely have to educate our clients, it is not easy to approach people and say we have very good quality and these different applications. It is not a matter of just sales; you have to let them know what we are offering. You have to approach the client, explain and educate them on our products.”

“In this region some people can be more price focused, but once they learn the advantages they discover it is a lot more valuable but sometimes it needs a little bit of education from our side,” Santome concluded.

regional clients Hall 8 D336

Greek safety net solution provider, NetsWork, says that a renewed focus on worker safety is delivering real interest in its fall protection safety net systems in the UAE. The safety net system being promoted by the Greek company in Hall 8 allows workers more freedom to move, as there is no need for lifelines and awkward cable solutions.

“In the past, we found the Middle Eastern market did not seem focused on the safety aspects of working at height, but that has certainly changed in the UAE, and we expect the trend to continue to the wider GCC market,” explained Nick Agaliotis, mechanical engineer, NetsWork, on day two of Big 5.

The company is excited by the level of interest in the nets on display in Hall 8 and is on the look out for safetyconscious project managers and HSE directors from around the region.

“If we get enough projects from the region, we will definitely look at establishing a distributor network, but for the Big 5 we are looking more for direct sales and business leads,” says Agaliotis.

The company says standards in the UAE are noticeably improving, but that it has been inundated with an unexpected volume of enquiries from much further afield.

“We came here to target the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar markets first, but have got much more out of it so far.”

Agaliotis: Region more aware of dangers of working at height.

Swegon introduces induction cooling unit Hall 1 F26 A new induction cooling unit aimed at the hotel industry has been unveiled at The Big 5 by Swegon. The product has just been launched in the UAE market, but the company has secured a 300-room contract for an airport hotel in Oslo.

“Unlike a traditional fan coil unit, Paragon has no need for filters or drainage, meaning there is no risk of bacterial growth,” says business development director Carl Tobisson.

Another advantage is that Paragon is available as a standard modular unit, with all the necessary actuators and 8

valves premounted. “This results in a significant overall saving in installation costs,” adds Tobisson. “The small size of the unit, which is only 180 mm high, means that the false ceiling space can be reduced dramatically as well.”

Paragon has other unique features: air distribution is parallel with the ceiling, which means it can be placed at the rear of a room; adjustable supply air grilles direct the air vertically; an antidraught function controls horizontal diffusion or air direction; and the enclosed unit means that the recirculated air never comes into contact

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

with the space above the false ceiling, further enhancing indoor air quality.

Paragon is supplied with the Conductor room control system, which together forms an “optimal solution” for hotel rooms, says Tobisson. All that is required to activate it is for the occupant to insert a room’s key card in its holder.

“Paragon is a dry system, which combats the risk of bacterial growth. Even so, when disinfection and cleaning are required, an accessory kit is available, containing quick-fit couplings, flexible hoses and shut-off valves for fast and easy disassembly,”

Carl Tobisson: “Paragon is a dry system, which combats the risk of bacterial growth.”

P.T.T.C

“YOUR Partner in Building a Safety Culture ” For a comprehensive range of safety courses Visit out website : www.pttc-online.com IPAF Operator Training Course

Or call:

Dubai Tel. No.: (+971 4) 298 7707

Sharjah Tel. No.: (+971 6) 535 2540

•Duration 1 day

•PPE required (Personal Protective Equipment)

•On-site training available

•ID card and certificate provided

Course Aim To instruct an operator to prepare and operate various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.

PASMA Mobile Access Tower

(Prefabricated Aluminum Suppliers & Manufacturers Association)

SCAFFOLD Inspection Course

•Duration 1 day

•PPE required (Personal Protective Equipment)

•On-site training available

•ID card and certificate provided

Course Aim To instruct an operator to safely inspect and erect Mobile Access Towers.

•Duration 1 day

•PPE required (Personal Protective Equipment)

•On-site training available

•ID card and certificate provided

Course Aim To emphasize to the delegates the employer’s statutory obligation to have competent persons to inspect and then complete reports on Scaffolds in the workplace. To give delegate practice at inspecting different types of scaffolds, fault finding and completing inspection report.

Plant Technical Training Center

3rd Industrial Street, P.O. Box 37, Sharjah-U.A.E Fax. No.: (+971 6) 534 6968

Email: info@pttc-online.com

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Germany out in force at Big 5 Big 5 is the perfect place for German companies to demonstrate their precision engineering skills Zabeel K121 German companies have arrived at The Big 5 in force, despite numbers decreasing slightly from last year’s show.

Around 340 companies have attended The Big 5 this year, with around 5300 square metres of space taken up by the vast number of firms.

“All different types of German construction companies are participating in the event this year,” revealed Heike Schottle, manager of global markets division at the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry.

“A lot of these companies have exhibited in the past, but each year new companies come to the show in order to reach the Middle East region and other areas which can be contacted through the show such as India,” she added.

Schottle also believed that German companies have looked to markets such as the Middle East in order to diversify their options amid the economic trouble that has hit Germany just as hard as the rest of the globe.

On the success of the show, Schottle believes all will become clear after the event.

But she is adamant this is an important place to be.

“A company should be here, especially in times of crisis – they can see what is going on and can have important conversations,” Schottle said.

“It is important to communicate in person as well as by the modern ways we are now used to such as email,” she explained.

“This is a very big show, even with German participation a little bit smaller. It

comprises of different sectors within construction and you can find companies which are multi-sector and also specialised firms,” Schottle revealed.

On the state of the Middle Eastern market, Olaf Stecken, of the Valves Manufacturing Association of Germany, commented: “It is a big market here, but the growth has been decreasing. There are still a lot of projects here, however.”

He added that German firms that come over to the Middle East offer high quality products, which gives clients a huge advantage. He also said that these companies help develop the Middle East construction sector.

On the subject of the decreasing number of German participators, Stecken believes the decline can be fully attributed to the downturn.

Around 5300 square metres of space has been taken up by German companies at the show.

Suppliers upbeat on Valbruna Gulf encourages Qatar and Abu Dhabi investments in stainless Wilo: Hall 4 B161 Construction suppliers now see Qatar and Abu Dhabi as the key places to do business, Big 5 exhibitors have said.

Investors are showing growing confidence in the Middle East, particularly Doha, where there is an opportunity to build new projects.

“We supply foundation pumps for piling, shoring and dewatering and a lot of our

business is going on in Qatar and Abu Dhabi now as there are new projects developing there,” said Austin Parfett Foundations sales manager Devanand.

Devanand predicts business will pick up in Dubai in the next couple of months as his company has future projects planned in the emirate.

Wilo, a manufacturer and supplier of pumps and pump

Suppliers have spoken of their belief that an upturn is nigh.

10

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

systems for heating, airconditioning, cooling, water supply and sewage disposal agreed. “Local companies are investing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Developers and contractors feel comfortable starting new projects in the area because new developments are progressing at a steady pace and are not accelerating too quickly,” said the company’s managing director Simon Mrad.

Mrad explained that The Big 5 will give his company an opportunity to show the industry what it can do. “We want to show delegates that we are here and ready to support and advice them. I predict that the exhibition will be a success,” he said Wilo was the amongst the first to introduce an electrical water pump, which is designed to save energy circulating water around a building.

Valbruna Gulf is hoping to encourage visitors to The Big 5 to invest in stainless steel reinforcement for the benefit of their businesses, the company said yesterday.

Despite stainless steel becoming an increasingly popular building material in some places, few developers want to invest in the product and the Italy-based company wants to change this.

“Carbon steel is an extremely corrosive material and although the upfront cost for stainless steel is eight to ten times more expensive, the long-term benefits are clear,” said Valbruna Gulf area sales executive Basher Heidary.

“We want to educate developers, especially those who are building near water or in high humidity, that when using stainless steel you can deduct a lot of ongoing maintenance costs,” he said.

The use of items that are not made from stainless steel can result in problems such as high inspection rates, service breaks and ongoing monitoring costs, according to Heidary.

Due to stainless steel’s anticorrosive properties, there is no need to add coatings to the product, which could otherwise result in more running and ownership expenses.

Valbruna has said that it can guarantee that a project which incorporates reinforced stainless steel can last 100 years.

“We have been at The Big 5 for five years now and we want to reach out to people and show them what we can do,” adds Heidary Valbruna has worked on several projects around the Middle East and predicts further growth in the marine services sector.

“We have supplied reinforced steel to Dubai Maritime City and The Pearl, Qatar,” he said.

“These projects are in areas where there is a lot of salt water surrounding them, which can be highly corrosive to other reinforcing materials,” he continued, The company’s key product line, Reval, is an austenitic steel, which shows resistance to high temperatures.

It is used successfully in structures where disturbing magnetic fields have to be avoided, such as in airport facilities, military bases, broadcasting stations, banks and medical complexes.

Valbruna is also a supplier of titanium and nickel alloys.

Seeing an opportunity for growth, the Italian company, which has 40 branches across the world, first entered the Gulf market in 2004.

Green Building by Uponor – groundbreaking solutions BIG 5 Show Visit us at the .2009 23.11. – 26.11

2 Booth no. N12 n, Zabeel Hall, llo vi Pa an m lio Ger sive portfo our comprehen and get to know

Sustainability has become one of the strong assets in Germany ’s economy. And with our comprehensive solutions in sustainable building technologies, we are at the cutting-edge of this development.

Thanks to our leading position in the market, our long-term competence, and our great deal of international experience, we are the partner of first choice when you ask for true excellence in Green Building. At Bangkok ’s new international airport, for example, we combine the biggest underfloor cooling project of all times with a state-of-the-art solution in terms of energy-efficiency.

However, we do not confine ourselves to Green Building. Our offering covers the whole spectrum of cooling, including also sophisticated control systems. And of course, we provide you with tap water installation from the source up to the latest tap – including our new Riser system. To find out more about Uponor, just visit us at the German Pavillon.

For more information, just contact Mr. Andre du Preez: Phone + 971 50 734 28 31, e-mail andre.dupreez@uponor.com www.uponor.com/international

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Logical Group seeks partners Exclusivity will be given to companies that actively stock, resell and install its portfolio of products Hall 1 H11 The Logical Group of Companies is actively seeking distributors across the region.

The company is a leader in fencing and hoarding solutions, and incorporates Logical Contracting, Logical Fencing Industries and Logical Plastic Industries. It is also the exclusive supplier and installer of Eco-Hoardings in the region.

“We are opening up distribution across the whole of the region, so we’re currently looking for distributors across every inch of the GCC. We will be granting exclusive distribution to fencing and construction companies that will stock and resell the product, or stock and install the product,” explained director, Logical Fencing, Al Ghattura.

“At the moment we are in talks with companies in Libya, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, and we’ll being making a final decision in January.

I’ll be travelling across the whole of the Middle East to

decide who will become our distributors.”

The group got the ball rolling on the second day of The Big 5, when it signed a distribution deal with a Kuwaiti company on the Logical Group stand. “That’s our first distribution deal for the whole of Kuwait. It’s for temporary hoarding and temporary fencing for construction sites,” Ghattura explained.

When it comes to partners, Ghattura is looking for companies that are stable and established. “We are looking for companies that have been in the market for a number of years. We will offer them all of the support and training that they need for their staff, as well as all the necessary marketing materials to get them off the ground. We are not just someone that will sell them the products and then disappear.”

According to Ghattura, now is the ideal time to be looking for distributors because Logical Group is in a position of

Al Ghattura is scouring the region for suitable distribution partners, but they must be committed and ready to invest.

strength. “We opened up our new manufacturing plant in Dubai Investment Park two weeks ago, which received a silver Gaia award.

“There had to be a trial period before we decided that we were going to go into fullblown manufacturing. Cer-

tain partners or new distributors wanted proof that what we do works. For example, we are taking people from a steel hoarding to an EcoHoarding, which is 25% more expensive, and our potential partners wanted to see how well we did with that. We can

show them now. As soon as we understood that we had this evidence, then we knew we could make our distributors happy,” he says.

The group is actively encouraging customers to convert from steel hoarding to Eco-Hoardings, which offer a

clean, flat surface for advertising, are easier to handle, quicker to install, fully demountable, easier to maintain and fully recyclable.

“We even buy back the product and recycle it. We take everything back,” Ghattura concluded.

European art foundry B2B portal celebrates pushes architectural art tenth birthday at Big 5 Zabeel Hall P121 Ernst Strassacker Art Foundry, a leader in the design, casting and processing of architectural elements and objects of art, has seen demand for its products grow steadily in this region.

The company specialises in the casting of bronze and aluminium to create elaborate architectural elements, such as fountains, doors, decorative grills, lighting, handrails, ironmongery and sculptures.

A range of products are being displayed on the company’s stand, P121 in Zabeel Hall.

“We also work with wrought iron and with stainless steel and other materials, which we do not cast.

We produce doors and hand 12

rails out of stainless steel, for example,” explained regional manager, Ernst Strassacker Art Foundry, Inal Cabir.

In this region, there is particular demand for the foundry’s Arabesque-style artistic architectural elements, and Ernst Strassacker has supplied everything from large palace gates to elaborate handrails for high-end suites.

“In Saudi Arabia we have done a lot of work with palaces and we have also worked with Aramco to create a 2,800kg clock tower in aluminium casting. In Abu Dhabi we are working on a project with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). All hotels and furnished apartments will be provided with a deco-

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

rative plaque that declares how many stars they have.

Every hotel has to have one and we are producing them,” Cabir detailed.

“This is one of the most important regions for us. Even thought Europe is a bigger market, the Middle East, in its entirety, is very important.”

Ernst Strassacker has returned to The Big 5 for the fourth time and remains optimistic that this year’s show will yield positive results.

“People come and bring their business card and then go, and then you might not hear from them for eight months or two years. So it is difficult to see how the volume of this exhibition is. You never know,” said Cabir.

Zabeel Hall X19 Alibaba.com, the world’s largest online business-to-business sourcing platform, celebrated its tenth anniversary this September.

Alibaba.com was created as a forum where sellers and buyers could come together.

“We are also known as a market place,” explained events marketing manager, Alibaba. com, Rudra Vethaviyasar.

“We cover over 40 vertical products, with construction being one of our strongest product sectors. We cover over 200 countries and have 40 million members globally that are updating their products daily.”

The site features two types of supplier, the ‘free’ supplier

Alibaba.com is steadily building its brand in the region.

and the ‘gold’ supplier. The gold supplier pays to be featured because third parties are used to verify their products and services, which gives greater assurance to the buyer and a guarantee that they are working with a trusted source. This is the third trade

show that Alibaba.com has attended in the Middle East this year.

“The Internet is still in its infancy so we are developing with the market. We are doing that gradually, step by step, by coming to trade shows like The Big 5.”

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Tailored Timber: Wolf RWI expands Timberwolf uses customised flooring to cruise through credit crisis Hall 2, C51 Although it was established in Europe in 1927, Timberwolf considers itself, first and foremost, a Dubai company. Offering FSC-certified real wood flooring, laminate flooring and garden decking solutions throughout the Gulf, the company has developed a product line that is completely contextual.

“We are a local company, based in Dubai, for Dubai,” explained CEO Wolfgang Douglas. “Our core competency is flooring that doesn’t buckle, bend or cup with the climate.

Simply put, we design and manufacture flooring specifically for the high heat and humidity of the Gulf.”

A name that is perhaps less recognised than that of competitors Al Aqili and Alomi, Timberwolf products grace the floors, decks, gazebos and pergolas of some of the UAE’s highest-profile projects and communities. Dubai Investment Park, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Emirates Palace (Abu Dhabi), The Address, Dubai International Financial Centre, Kempinski, Meydan Hotel, Emirates Hills

and Downtown Burj Dubai are a few of Timberwolf ’s key clients. With more than a million square metres of parquet flooring on hand, according to Douglas, Timberwolf ’s biggest secret to success is a simple formula of having the right amount of stock when a client wants it.

“The Gulf will always be a last minute place and stock is king,” explained Douglas.

“Some of our potential competitors from Europe are at a disadvantage because they’ve got no one on the ground here and it takes much longer

for stock to arrive. I’ve got all the stock I need in a warehouse right now. Decisions are made very quickly here and when they are, clients don’t want to wait. For that reason alone, the last minute man is always going to thrive here.”

Although Timberwolf considers itself a Dubai company, it certainly hasn’t taken an isolationist approach to its Gulf neighbours. In fact, Timberwolf currently exports its Middle East-friendly products to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain—and the Gulf

Wolfgang Douglas CEO of Timberwolf expects to sign many deals.

expansion has done wonders for its bottom line.

“Decking is absolutely huge in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain. I’ll give you an example of how big it is: We got into decking 24 months ago and now it makes up 50% of our business,” said Douglas. “Pergolas and gazebos are massively popular too.

Particularly pergolas; everyone seems to have gone pergola crazy at the moment.”

With its high-profile list of projects, a bullish expansion strategy and a burgeoning bottom line, Timberwolf has plenty of business. So why continue to exhibit at Big 5?

“Big 5 is a flagship arena.

It is something people need to see us at. We need to be able to say that we’re here,” said Douglas. “We were here when things were good with the economy, we were here when things were bad and we’re still here when things are getting good again.

“This year, everyone is very optimistic. I’ve been here for an hour and we just signed a really big contract for a project in Iran. I’m expecting to sign deals worth AED20 million this week,” he said.

Ajman factory Hall 1, H43 Rubber World Industries (RWI), a leading manufacturer of closed-cell rubber insulation, is planning to expand its production facility in Ajman to cope with increased demand, both regionally and internationally, for its products. The company has recently supplied its products to such flagship products as the Aldar headquarters and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

This was revealed by MD Muzamil Shaikhani at The Big 5, at which the company has enjoyed a presence for the past seven years. “We are on course to achieve our stated goal of 25% growth in production by 2010.” At present the company produces 1800 containers a year in total, a sizeable increase over its 1200 a year level in 2008.

RWI exports to 55 countries, and is well-established in the Gulf and South East Asia.

Commenting on the decision to expand its manufacturing capacity in what is essentially a constrained market, Shaikhani said there is definite evidence that the moribund construction in-

dustry has started to tick over again. “It is true that a lot of projects were cancelled at the height of the crisis, but there is a lot of work still going on at the moment, which is indicative of the many opportunities still available.”

It is for this reason that the company is a long-time supporter of The Big 5. “Everyone knows it is the premiere showcase for the regional construction industry; it is a great way to meet existing clients and explore new business leads,” said Shaikhani.

At this year’s exhibition the company is highlighting its polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tapes for floor and pipe protection, duct tape for water resistance and strengthening fabric, and aluminium foil tape for shielding thermal insulation to provide an excellent barrier to vapour on seams and joints of fiberglass and aluminium-backed duct board. In addition, RWI is showcasing its aluminium elastomeric foil for HVAC and refrigeration thermal insulation. “This is a green product that forms an affective barrier against moisture, air currents and vapours,” said Shaikhani.

Burj Dubai on the boil with Exhausto Hall 11, F145 Exhausto has supplied six of its demand-controlled exhaust systems for waterheating applications at the iconic Burj Dubai. “This a high-profile application of our technology, showcasing its ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy costs,” explains Exhausto president Steen Hagensen.

In order to operate efficiently, a boiler must maximise heat transfer by maintaining the precise ratio of fuel to air, which relies on proper air supply and draft. The latter is affected by boiler operation and outdoor temperature, among others, which means 14

that maintaining the correct level can be tricky.

Too much or too little draft can cause flame roll-outs or pilot-light failures. A demandcontrolled exhaust system, on the other hand, maintains a precise draft by adjusting the exhaust rate constantly in terms of current demand.

“Improper draft has a major impact on boiler operation. It is not uncommon to see high-efficiency boilers operating at low efficiency levels,” points out Hagensen.

This is a particular problem in Dubai, which is largely due to the sheer size of some of the systems employed in the region.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25 2009

“The beauty of our system is that it can be retrofitted onto existing systems. We can also assist in downsizing chimney systems to more manageable and efficient levels. All this points to our motto of ‘making impossible installations possible’,” comments Hagensen.

He says he is extremely impressed with the quality of visitors at this year’s Big 5 show, and is confident that the company will make an indelible impression at the exhibition, where there is a big focus is on ‘green’ initiatives and how to cut energy costs in terms of building-services products and systems.

Steen Hagensen, president, Exhausto is impressed with the quality of people at the Big 5.

A Brand like a Friend – This claim underlines our vision to make people’s lives easier, better and more beautiful with our brands and technologies.

Henkel, headquartered in Düsseldorf / Germany, has about 52,000 employees worldwide and counts among the most internationally aligned German-based companies in the global marketplace.

People in approximately 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.

Our Brands TANGIT

METYLAN

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

• Pipe Adhesives + Cleaner

• Wallpaper paste

• Thread Sealants • Fire Protection APPLICATION

• Wall covering adhesives

• Pipe Installation & Fire Protection For the connection of pipes made of PVC-U, PVC-C and ABS one needs to

APPLICATIONS

use a special pipe cement to fulfil a tensile and stable connection. www.Tangit.com

SEALANTS & PUFOAMS PRODUCT CATEGORIES • PU-foams • Cleaners/Guns/Primers

PRODUCT CATEGORIES •Construction Adhesives

• Window Sealing System APPLICATIONS

• Fillers •Paint strippers

• Sealants & PU-Foams Sealants are defined as sealing masses

• Wallpapering We are offering adhesives for fixing wallpapers and wall coverings, supported

applied between joints to connect and seal two parts together.

by auxiliary products for wall preparation.

CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVES

•Chemical Anchoring •Contact Adhesives •Wood Glues APPLICATIONS • Construction Adhesives Construction Adhesives are used to bond or repair two items in the home & construction site, replacing traditional adhesives such as contact cements and wood glues, and traditional physical fixings such as nails and screws.

www.henkel.com

PO BOX 61341 DUBAI, UAE

TEL: +971 4 4308940 FAX: +971 4 4308946

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Textile architecture is beginning to get noticed in the Middle East

Marble products from Fujairah

Hall 2, Spanish Pavilion For years, textile architecture has been considered a dynamic alternative to traditional materials, and Spain’s Texo Innovation, part of the Procoin group of companies, is hoping to use Big 5 to make it a more prevalent option for Middle East architects and design professionals.

“We’re a group of companies and we’re already operating in KSA. We thought the product would be interesting for the Gulf and we’re seeing encouraging signs in KSA,” explained David Martinez Martinez, organisation and technical services manager at Procoin. “We felt Big 5 would be a good way to gauge the interest in the UAE.

The Fujairah Marble and Tile Factory (FMTF) is showcasing new mono-layer tiles with unique designs for flooring, landscaping and wall cladding applications. “We are thrilled to be at such a major event as The Big 5 and to share our latest innovations with the marketplace,” comments marketing manager Yousuf Ishaq Aga. He adds it is also an important showcase for indigenous export and manufacture.

FMTF, established in 1978, was the brainchild of HE Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, member of the supreme council and ruler of Fujairah. “We are a leading manufacturer and pioneer of

Fabricating facades

16

For us, Big 5 is kind of a fact finding mission.”

The Texo team of designers makes a point of working with architects and studying their designs to supply options that aptly reflect design intent and still allows for modern and contemporary solutions— regardless of whether that solution is based on traditional EFTE, Silicon, PVC or Teflon.

“This product is very special,” said Martinez. “Every project is different and as such, every product we offer is bespoke. We sit with the architect and study his façade design. Together we decide the best solution.”

For Procoin, the turnkey approach seems to be working in the Gulf.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Despite the obvious aesthetic benefit of the product, the Texo Innovation product isn’t just about looks. In fact, textile architecture, when used correctly, can offer significant energy reduction.

“A textile panel on the outside of a façade can reflect radiation from the sun,” explained Martinez. “Through reduced cooling loads, this can reduce the building’s energy use by 60%.”

Martinez: Big 5 is a way to gauge interest in Texo’s products.

Concourse, 667

terrazzo tiles and allied products,” asserts Aga. The company imports marble from various locations, and specialises in marble design, cutting, polishing and sawing. In addition, it also sells aggregates, sand, rocks and rock chips to various contractors in the UAE for landscaping and related applications.

“We have built up a good reputation for quality throughout the GCC, and hence have been able to export our products as far afield as Sri Lanka and Germany.

The Big 5 is a regional platform for us to promote ourselves as an important part of the construction sector in Fujairah,” concludes Aga.

Eji dc ndjg cZl Wjh^cZhh h]dZh

9d ndj ÒcY X]Vh^c\ cZl Wjh^cZhh eVgicZgh Vc d[["ejii^c\ iVh`4 9d i]Z gdjcYh d[ LVaZh VcY lZ l^aa ]Zae l^i] i]Z aZ\ldg`# >ciZgcVi^dcVa 7jh^cZhh LVaZh XVc Vhh^hi ndj Wn bV`^c\ ^cigdYjXi^dch id djg LZah] XdbeVc^Zh VcY hjeedgi^c\ i]Z eVgicZgh]^e egdXZhh# LVaZh ]Vh ^ccdkVi^kZ! ldgaY XaVhh XdbeVc^Zh ^ckdakZY ^c V cjbWZg d[ `Zn hZXidgh VcY i]Zn XdjaY WZ i]Z ^YZVa eVgicZg ndj VgZ add`^c\ [dg# I]gdj\] djg \adWVa cZildg`! lZ XVc ldg` l^i] ndj ^c"bVg`Zi ^c dgYZg id Y^hXjhh ndjg gZfj^gZbZcih VcY i]Zc add` id ^cigdYjXZ Veegdeg^ViZ LZah] XdbeVc^Zh# LVaZh/ ViigVXi^c\ [dglVgY i]^c`^c\ Wjh^cZhhZh " VcY i]Z GnYZg 8je '%&%#

Vist us on Stand 121, Hall 3, Row D and see what Wales can offer you.

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

41-tonne monster towers Knauf invests in over Big 5 PMV visitors training courses PMV Hall The region’s largest in-production articulated haul truck can be found overshadowing the Bin Brook Motors display at the back of hall 11.

The Moxy MT41 can carry, as the name suggests, 41 tonnes, which is one metric tonne more than its closest rival. Weighing in at 59,728 lbs unloaded, the 6x6 tip-up monster needs the power from its Scania DC-12 twelve cylinder turbo diesel engine.

Machinery fans might notice that the truck on display is bright orange, rather than the usual Moxy shade of construction yellow. This is due to the sale of the Norwegian firm to the Korean conglomerate Doosan Infracore earlier this

18

year. Hashim Mohammed Ali, a salesman for Bin Brook explained: “Buyers actually feel more confident now that the brand is a subsidiary of Doo-

san, as parts and service are now available everywhere.”

The MT41’s reign as the largest articulated truck might soon be coming to an end,

however, as the new 68 860 lb MT51 model, with a 38 yd3 body and a Cummins QSX15 engine has just become available for order.

Heavyweight mover: The MT41 is currently the largest articulated haul truck in the region.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Zabeel U30 Knauf Drywall Systems has begun a training policy with its clients, in an attempt to raise standards in the Middle East. “We have a really good product and that is why in 2009 we started with training,” said Kerim Caglar, marketing manager, Knauf Drywall Systems. “The skill of installers here is very basic, so what we wanted to do is by introducing training in the region, we wanted to make the end product better.

We have to educate people to make sure of this.”

He added that the company is also looking to expand in the Middle East region, despite the fact the company recently opened a new office

Knauf: In training mode.

in Qatar. “We just started operations and hired some people in Qatar so our office in Qatar is started up. We have a strong sales network across the GCC. As these markets grow in our area, we will open up offices. That is the idea,” explained Caglar.

MIDDLE EAST

Formwork and Shoring Solutions RMD Kwikform has the skill, expertise and experience to provide you with unique and elegant formwork and shoring solutions. Our team of technical experts and engineers are there to assist you in the creation of any concrete structure and our industry leading equipment ensures that throughout the process your project is correctly supported.

RMD Kwikform will rise to any challenge so why not contact us today and see how we can help you create.

ME Head Office P.O. Box 5801, Sharjah, UAE Tel: +971 6 553 4173 Fax: +971 6 553 4327

Bahrain Tel: +973 1782 5368 Fax: +973 1782 6145 Email: rmd.bahrain@rmdkwikform.com

Oman Tel: +968 2461 3571 Fax: +968 2461 3573 Email: mervyn.prins@rmdkwikform.com

Syria Tel (mob): +963933676570 Tel (office): +963113313729 Email: waeil@scs-net.org

Dubai Tel: +971 4 341 7477 Fax: +971 4 341 7599 Email: rmd.uae@rmdkwikform.com

Kuwait Tel: +965 484 5161/ 484 9545 Fax: +965 484 6414 Email: moh.muhtaseb@rmdkwikform.com

Lebanon Tel: +961 545 0214 Fax: +961 595 5387 Email: youfo@cyberia.net.lb

Other ME Regions Tel: +971 6 555 0788 Fax: +971 6 555 0805 Email: rmd.uae@rmdkwikform.com

Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 550 2383 Fax: +971 2 550 2384 Email: rmd.auh@rmdkwikform.com

Qatar Tel: +974 467 5925 Fax: +974 465 3282 Email: rmd@qatar.net.qa

Saudi Arabia Tel: +973 17558726 Ex 351 Fax: +973 17558727 Email: brian.street@rmdkwikform.com

For general enquiries email: rmd.uae@rmdkwikform.com

Tailored Solutions • Global Expertise

www.rmdkwikform.com/ae

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Treatment company tests waters Serbia-based LAD Group hopes to take advantage of the region’s need for water treatment systems Hall 6 A268 A first-time exhibitor at The Big 5 this year, Serbian water specialist LAD Group is hoping to take advantage of the boom in the Middle Eastern water, wastewater and desalination sector.

“Our selling point is that we are able to deliver a complete solution to the client,” said Petar Bjegovic, chief technology officer of LAD Group. “We buy equipment from recognised manufacturers like Toray, then assemble the solution, deliver it, carry out start-up operations, assist the client with training personnel, maintaining the unit and managing costs.”

Primarily based in Europe, with extensive experience in

20

the Balkans, LAD feels that its reverse osmosis (RO) desalination solution, in particular, has something to offer the local market. “We have already worked on a lot of RO plants in our home centre of operations, and it’s obvious that membranes are becoming more affordable, and the technology is maturing,” added Bjegovic.

With regard to the Middle East market, it’s clear that LAD has its strategic plan mapped out. “It’s a completely new area for us, and while we have experience, we may not have exactly the right technical know-how for the major projects that are being built here in the Middle East,” the LAD executive remarked. “So

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Petar Bjegovic: LAD is able to deliver a complete water treatment solution to the client.

we are planning to start with the smaller projects and build up our expertise that way.”

So far at Big 5, Bjegovic indicates that the firm has received a lot of interest in its services. “I’m delighted to say that despite the difficulties that are facing the construction industry, there are still plenty of contracts available in the water and wastewater industries,” he remarked.

“We are aware that some of our competitors have suffered technical problems due to the water type here and the high temperatures, and so not everything has gone smoothly. That’s the kind of challenge we have to face if we’re going to be able to satisfy our future customers.”

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Chain mail shows its potential Promesh promotes chain mail as a material for use in innovative interior and exterior designs Zabeel Hall R101 Promesh is at The Big Five 5 promoting new and unusual applications for a somewhat unexpected material.

Promesh is a subsidiary of Friedrich Muench, a German company that has spent the last 90 years producing chain mail. Cut and stab resistant, but still extremely flexible, chain mail has traditionally been used for safety equipment such as shirts, aprons and gloves – until two years ago, when Promesh was established to promote the material’s potential architectural applications.

“It’s a very special product.

It’s a chain mail material or, as we call it, ‘ring mesh’, because it is made out of rings and these rings are knotted together. We produce each individual ring, which is welded. What is unique is that we are the first in the world that can produce this in very large, very wide sheets,” explained managing director, Promesh, Jorg Ritter. “So, it’s no prob-

lem for us to produce a 10m wide piece that is 15m or 20m long. This enables us to sell it to architectural businesses,” he added. “We established Promesh two years ago to try and reach the architectural and design community.”

The material can be used to cover facades or, as demonstrated on the Promesh stand, as an interesting covering for anything from a fountain to a wall. As Ritter pointed out, there are endless potential applications for a material that is so durable.

“It’s good for use in interior and exterior designs. You can cover ceilings or walls, or you can use it for producing lamps and illuminations.

When you polish the material it becomes very shiny, so you get a good reflection, which means you can get some very nice effects if you illuminate it,” Ritter pointed out. “It can even be used for safety fences and for blast protection.”

Ring mesh is brand new to the Middle East, making The

Chain mail can make for a striking design feature, says Jorg Ritter, managing director, Promesh.

Big 5 an important forum for the company. “In the end, we need architects to come up with the ideas on how to implement this product in their work. The Big 5 is important for us because we hope to meet a lot of construction

and architecture companies, not only from the region but from all over the world. This is a brand new material. Nobody knows it yet.”

The people that are familiar with ring mesh have been quick to embrace it, he

added. “In general, we have received an excellent response from designers. Our first and biggest project was for Swarovski. They installed a wall of ring mesh outside their headquarters, and every night they have a light show.

“This is why we are here.

We hope to find people in the Arab world who also like beautiful, colourful, extraordinary things. We hope to find people here that will say: ‘This is so beautiful, let’s do something together’.”

ST Group doesn’t know Polish woodwork expert what green fuss is about seeks regional partners Hall 2 D87 When Antonio Lara MartinAlbo, CEO of eco-friendly architect/engineer SDEM TEGA, looks around the Middle East, he doesn’t see what all the green fuss is about.

SDEM TEGA, part of the larger ST Group, is in the process of developing technology that has the ability to garner 30MW of installed power through clean technology.

That level of technology has the potential to save almost 12,000 tonnes of CO2 per project, per year.

While that technology has yet to enter the Gulf market, what is available here isn’t really being used. “Everyone says the UAE is ‘green’ but when I look around, I can’t see 22

many green installations,” said Martin-Albo.

Seemingly a one-stop shop for green buildings, the ST Group strategy is to develop the “perfect combination” of R&D and benchmarking in the fields of electrical installations, communication networks and renewable energy.

Its green building competency lies in protecting natural resources, reducing solid waste and CO2, improving thermal, acoustic and lighting conditions and ensuring the best possible water and air quality for users.

ST Group’s research focus is moving toward renewable technologies and, in particular, the way in which PV systems, wind energy, biogas, biomass,

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

geothermal installations and fuel cells can provide power to places where it is too costly or simply unavailable.

While SDEM TEGA is working on projects throughout Europe, it has yet to break into the Gulf, save for one project.

“We have a 2KW photovoltaic panel installation on the roof of the Spanish Ambassador’s home in Abu Dhabi,” said Martin-Albo. “We’re hoping to use that as a platform to launch into the region.”

“Right now, the market is complicated, the global crisis has made everything very difficult, We are looking for owners and developers who understand green buildings and are open to making that initial investment.

Rashid Hall X61 Pinus is one of a few Polish companies present at The Big Five this year. Launched in 1991 by Polish brothers Jerzy and Mariusz Smolarczyk, the company is a specialist in custom-made woodwork.

“We are producers of windows and doors, and also of brass and aliminium cladding. We produce non-standard, individually designed woodwork and we are hoping to start selling our products here in the Middle East,” said export manager, Pinus, Martyna Nosek.

The company does not yet have a distributor in the region and is keen to explore potential partnerships. “This is our first time at The Big

Pinus specialises in customised wooden doors and windows.

5. The Middle East is completely new for us. We know that this market is still growing and we would like to introduce our products. That’s why we decided to attend,” Nosek continued. The company does not restrict itself to a certain style and is comfort-

able creating both classic and contemporary designs, Nosek confirmed. In addition, it can work with a range of different wood types. “Of course, we can make our windows from a whole range of wood, but the standard is the meranti, pine, oak and sipo.”

DRIVE THE AMBITION FOR YOUR BUSINESS AHEAD

We understand the significance of owning the latest, or supplementing your existing construction equipment to leverage the growing demand for real estate and infrastructure development across the region.

Introducing ADCB BusinessEdge Construction Equipment Loan, a unique facility to fund purchase of both old and new construction equipment.

Key Features of the loan are: - Up to 90% funding available at competitive rates - Minimum documentation and quick approval - Flexible requirements - Shari’ah compliant products also available - Funding available for both old and new commercial vehicles For more information, visit any ADCB branch across the UAE or sms CEL to 2626. *Terms and conditions apply. Credit at sole discretion of the Bank.

adcb.com

UPDATE BIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

NZ timber floats boats Wolffkran crane Engineered timber has the edge on poured concrete, says expert Hall 8 New Zealand Poured concrete and glass façades have multiplied to dominate the new bustling metropolitan city centres of the Gulf, and have done a remarkable job at transforming skylines and cityscapes in astonishing timeframes. However, urban designers and architects alike are looking for a fresher, more aesthetically appealing, but economical choice of building material to make their project stand out.

David Moon, UAE manager of Global Timber Homes

Group, saw intense interest in timber engineered building solutions from New Zealand on days one and two of Big 5.

Day one saw the timber building solutions and, in particular, a photo presentation an Abu Dhabi project, draw interest from across the Gulf and much further afield. “We’ve had a lot of enquiries from Jordan, India and Sudan, as well as the expected turnout from the GCC countries,” beams Moon.

“We already have one major project in execution for a hotel in Abu Dhabi. It’s a waterfront

restaurant and the company was after something prestigious but practical, and timber offers the ideal package.”

Moon says that the Middle East is an ideal market for timber structures, and local developers and contractors just need to rethink their approach to see real, cost effective benefits. “The dominant approach to construction in the UAE is based on poured, in situ concrete slabs. This is expensive, labour intensive and very time consuming. Comparitive cost analysis of in-situ reinforced

concrete slab construction with a timber engineered system has shown that the timber product is always significantly more economical.”

Global Timber Homes established its UAE office 18 months ago, but has really seen activity build since summer this year.

“I moved out here six months ago with the sole ambition of changing perceptions in the region with regards to timber building. Changing perceptions and taking the opportunity to educate developers a little outside their comfort zone is my priority,” says Moon.

A combination of warm weather and light rainfall means the building structure is guaranteed for 50 years, but will probably last much longer. The company is looking to build up contacts and relationships with developers and designers of higher-end villas and hotel buildings at this year’s Big 5. exhibition

mimics real life Zabeel N113

Onlookers have to look up to see a pair of scale replica tower cranes on a manufacturer’s stand, but they shouldn’t look too long less they get a miniature bucket in the eye.

Wolff kran, exhibiting in the German pavilion in the Zabeel Hall, not only brought in a pair of beautifully made replicas of the firm’s top selling luffers, but they are actually connected to real control booths, so visitors who might have fancied a job as a crane operator but don’t have the head for heights can have a go on terra firma.

“These are fully operational,” explained Mark Evans, a

manager for the firm. “You can slew and hoist at the same time, just as on the actual machine.”

To the side of the operator, there is a panel with displays indicating such readings as safe working load. There is a more serious side to the models though, as they can also be used as a training aid for novice drivers, before they are let loose on the real thing.

The simulators can also help more experienced operators familiarise themselves with the controls of this brand. Wolff kran has enjoyed success in Abu Dhabi, with the red towers dotting projects such as Al Raha beach.

US $6047 The average wage of a white collar worker in the GCC’s construction sector Moon: A client in Abu Dhabi wanted something prestigious and practical. Wood was the answer.

A Wolffkran tower crane in miniature, but with full capability.

Motorol presents a new kind of motor oil Hall 1 J23 India-headquartered oil manufacturing company, Motorol is presenting Refrin 134, a high performance automotive compressor oil, for the first time in the UAE. Refrin 134 is specifically formulated for automotive or light truck AC systems.

It provides protection for compressors, is non hygroscopic and offers superior film strength. It also protects against oxidation.

The oil promises to provide superior AC cooling performance, smoother compression operation, and also helps to reduce moisture 24

contamination in all auto air conditioning systems.

It is available in 250ml, 500ml, 1L and 210L (barrel) packaging options.

“No one else is manufacturing this oil in the UAE. We are the very first,” said senior marketing executive, Motorol Middle East, Abdul Muqeeth.

Motorol offers an entire range of products to suit modern machines, automobiles and manufacturing processes. The company established a presence in the UAE in 2004, to serve the region’s specialty, industrial and automotive oil needs. Its first plant, which offers a distil-

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

lation and blending capacity of 50TPD, was commissioned in August 2005. It is now ISO 9001-2000 certified.

“We have two offices in the UAE. One is in the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone and the other one is in Sharjah. This is a very important region for us,” Muqeeth said.

The company is exhibiting at The Big 5 for the first time and chose it as the regional launch pad for Refrin 134 because of the high levels of exposure that it guarantees. “This show attracts a lot of visitors. That is the main reason that we are here,” Muqeeth said.

Abdul Muqeeth is presenting a new kind of high performance automotive oil at Big 5.

The World’s most ef cient, advanced and patented 3D monolithic precast system Faster rapid erection on site achieving up to 10 dwellings of 500 sqm each, per 24 hr cycle Onsite production Stronger (structurally ef cient) Durable and sustainable (50yrs+) 2 hours + re rating Very low maintenance Savings on construction costs SMART insulation system with high U&R value High acoustic properties Greener with minimal to zero waste (greener and emission free) Flexible and easily customized Relocatable and recyclable Earthquake resistant

Thermal UV-IR re ective paint solution Dirt guard, Water proo ng, Bridges cracking SRI (Solar Re ective Index) rating of 113% Saves up to 50% on ongoing cooling cost

The world’s most advanced eco’ friendly bulb The only approved technology by the E.U. Saving up to 85% on energy bills

A water system, offering up to 90% saving on irrigation water Also ushing water Eco’ friendly lter Operates purely on gravity

™

buildingSMARTTME ®

Cutting Costs Improving Efficiency Achieving Sustainability Increasing Profits

buildingSMART ME HELPING YOUR BUSINESS buildingSMART ME is a not for profit organisation, owned and run by its members.

Meet a buildingSMART ME : Representative at Tekla Stand in Hall 8 Stand D339

www.bsame.org

BIM Journal is an electronic newsletter. Since its launch in February 2009, the following topics have been covered: • BIM Concept • Green Construction • Integrating the Construction Process • Model Based Estimating • Interoperability • Integrated Project Delivery • BIM Health Check • The Need for Standards • The Knowledge Sharing Culture • Contracts BIM Journal is acknowledged as a source of unbiased and understandable information. Circulation is now over 170,000 internationally. It’s clear and concise style is respected by those involved in construction. It has been described as ‘invaluable’ by non-technical professionals, who at long last have access to a jargon free publication, which explains things in plain English.

The BIM Journal website provides a comprehensive reference point for solutions that can take the construction process forward, by eliminating waste and inefficiency, whilst improving productivity and quality. It does this by furthering the knowledge of and encouraging collaboration between, professionals working in the construction industry.

BIM Journal is aimed at everyone involved in the construction process - Owner/Developers, Project Managers, Consultants, Engineers and Contractors at all levels. It is managed by buildingSMART ME and subjects covered are led by member contribution, which is actively sought.

Registration is free at www.bimjournal.com

™

buildingSMART SMART ME ®

™

buildingSMART SMART ME ®

Everybody is talking "going green". We have the right solar and renewable energy solutions for you.

The Viessmann Group, whose head office is located in Germany, is an internationally leading manufacturer of heating system technology.

With its current product range, Viessmann offers heating equipment in three distinct categories with output ranging from 1.5 kW to 20 MW. On offer are freestanding and wall mounted boilers for oil and gas, DHW calorifiers, as well as systems utilising renewables, such as heat pumps, solar heating systems and boilers for sustainable fuels. The product range is rounded off with control technology and data communication equipment. Viessmann represents quality made in Germany.

Check us out at www.viessmann.com.

)NDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS WITH EFĂź CIENT SYSTEMS FOR ALL FUEL TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

Domestic boilers, DHW cylinders and calorifiers

Wall mounted boilers

Solar collectors

Heat Pumps

Commercial boilers

Viessmann Middle East FZE SAIF Zone PO Box 120841, Sharjah UAE phone +971-6-557 87 56 ¡ fax +971-6-557 87 65 e-mail: info-me@viessmann.com

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

INTERVIEW DONALD TRUMP JR

TOP TRUMP On his visit to Dubai last month, Donald Trump Junior was hurried into a private conference room for an exclusive chat with five senior journalists.

Construction Week was one of the five.

By Conrad Egbert

T

I’d say Dubai stopped building in time. It was a good business decision.

rump Junior, or ‘Baby Trump’ as he is affectionately known as in some circles, is a sharp man.

He’s as skillful a businessman as he is with answering questions in a very politically-correct and diplomatic fashion – but then, after all, he is an executive vice president of the US-based multi-billion dollar Trump Organisation.

But what brought the real estate heir to not-so-sunny Dubai? Was he expected to inject confidence into the region’s property market? Or was he simply here because he believes in the strength and resilience of Dubai, which governments have missed no opportunity to shout about?

By the looks of it – a bit of both. “The last time I came to Dubai was about 15 months ago, just before the whole crash happened,” said Trump looking a little nervous in the hot seat. “And to be honest, the foreign media has given us a totally wrong impression of the region. We thought we were entering a dust bowl where nothing is happening. But I’m glad to say it’s certainly not the case.”

But while optimism was the general feeling from Mr Trump, he did say that a slowdown was obvious.

“Its not a total stand still,” he clarified. “One can definitely see the difference in the pace of construction now than before, but it’s not a write-off, like the foreign press has being saying.”

The Trump International Hotel and Tower, the organisation’s first multibillion dollar project in the region, was put on hold indefinitely in May. And with the restart of construction work

no where in sight, Trump’s optimism, especially considering he hasn’t bought any property in Dubai, had to be taken with a pinch of salt.

“I would love to go forward with the project in the next two years but I don’t know if that is going to happen,” he said when asked to shed some light on the inner workings of the Trump deal with Nakheel.

“I’d say Dubai stopped building in time. It was a good business decision. They didn’t go on pumping good money in after bad money in order to carry on with a project.

Some developers are still in denial about the downturn. They’re throwing in good money after bad. If it doesn’t make sense, cancel it. There is a lot of excess supply in the market for us to be able to pick up that sort of project.

“Also I want to get the project done, but in a responsible fashion, unlike a lot of development that has been done here.”

He added that the Trump hotel and tower had to be built to standards that are better than what is currently prevalent, confirming again, the many quality problems that the region’s construction market has faced in the past. He said that his hands were tied at the moment with regards to work on the tower and that Nakheel was responsible for its restart.

“There is a time frame that we’re looking at but that is Nakheel’s decision. We are not an equity investor, but we have an active marketing role,” he said.

So did the Trump Organisation, which has developed many successful projects including the Trump Place project, on New York’s Upper West Side, the Trump Park Avenue and various hotels in Chicago and Las Vegas need to enter the market with a local developer like Nakheel?

Trump thinks so. “It was a business decision. We entered into an agreement with Nakheel, because it’s quite simple – would we rather enter the market hand in

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

29

INTERVIEW DONALD TRUMP JR

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

In Dubai you’re only limited by your imagination and the laws of physics.

Trump says he will think about moving into Saudi Arabia depending what changes the country makes to its laws.

hand with the biggest developer in the region or compete with them?”

For the moment, the Trump tower in Dubai is still on hold and it is likely to stay that way for a long time to come, especially with Nakheel saying it has no thoughts on the matter for now. And in this fast moving world, with quick-thinking businessmen, could Dubai end up losing its appeal?

Maybe not. “We’ve assessed working in other areas in the region but for most of the part it hasn’t had much of an appeal for the Trump organisation and what we stand for,” said Trump. “Saudi Arabia seems to be an option in the near future if things change a little, but for now we’re an organisation that is out there and more liberal.”

Dubai now has the tallest building in the world along with a host of other construction feats that have gone on to become the world’s firsts in many categories. For the Trump Organisation, this was a golden opportunity to make their mark by being part of a flashy project in true Trump style. But when a flashy real estate mogul says reality is of essence, it should be a lesson learned.

“I’ve always said, in Dubai you’re only limited by your imagination and the laws of physics,” said Trump. “Earlier, unless you built something extreme it wasn’t considered 30

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

The next bubble here is distressed real estate but we have seen the steepest part of the downturn. know what to expect and that will take this market forward.”

But market corrections and normal economic changes are all well and good, but Trump also says that Dubai needs to consciously fix a lot of problems on its own before it can gain the strength and momentum it saw a couple of years ago.

“Dubai has to become transparent,” he said.

“Even oversupply of certain types of projects in the region and the country’s stringent immigration policies and working visa rules have to be changed.

“I had some friends here who I used to visit on my trips to the region and before I’d come

down I’d send them emails saying I’m coming.

This time round 75% of those emails bounced back because they have all had to go back home,” he complained.

“If someone loses their job they have to leave. These people have moved their lives to come and work here and invest in this country, so it doesn’t leave a good impression when these people are expected to uproot themselves and head back home when things become difficult. You’re ostracising people who took the leap. If and when Dubai begins to look up, do you think these people will come back? These are successful people from all over the world, who have come to this country to work and live, and their being here benefits the country tremendously.

“Also, in order to get back on track you need population growth. A negative

population growth is not going to help the country get back on track; it will only worsen the situation.” In September, it was reported that the UAE ministry of labour was finalising proposals to make part time work in the private sector possible. If this comes into effect, it could boost the job market ahead of the so-called upturn. But when is this upturn likely and what can we expect from it? The golden question was put to Trump.

“We’re still going down but not as badly as before,” he said. “The next bubble here is distressed real estate, where investors will try and sell off property for a lower premium than they bought it, in order to minimise their losses. There will definitely be no ‘V’ shaped recovery but we can take refuge in the thought that we have seen the steepest part of the downturn,” he added. 5

viable.

“In order to drive one dollar more per foot, developers ended up investing 75 more and that didn’t make sense. Now more of a reality is returning–toDevelopers, the market and • Transparency individuals or governments, need to become the competition pool has narrowed down, more transparent. also making it a more talented pool. People • Oversupply – There is excess inventory and too much supply in the market. didn’t know the diffpolicies erence between luxury system and visa rules need to become • Immigration – Sponsorship construction and justoriented good construction more business and less rigid. either – this has changed too. Now people

TRUMP RECOMMENDS DUBAI NEEDS TO FIX:

Visit us at UK Pavillion # 2C60

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

BUYER’S GUIDE SCAFFOLDING

BUYER’S GUIDE: 10 TIPS FOR BUYING SCAFFOLDING Industry experts give their top tips for buying scaffolding to ensure that you get the right equipment for the job

By Benjamin Millington

1. Stick to the standards Rule number one is to find out what international scaffolding standard is used in your region and stick to it. There are various standards available around the world and they have all been developed with good reason says Dennis Braithwaite technical manager for scaffolding service provider, Cape.

“Many of the standards are similar, but each one sets down the specific requirements for individual components, such as couplers, tube, boards and a specification for system scaffolding,” he says.

“We insist that all scaffold material is purchased to the specified standards and supplied with appropriate certification.”

While most of the reputable companies will already be adhering to recognised standards, Braithwaite says unspecified materials are still commonly used without consideration of the consequences.

“I’ve been on a site where the scaffolding tube had a strange standard number on it and we later found out that the specification was for water pipes and didn’t have any load bearing capacity at all.”

2. Don’t be tempted by the fakes If you’re thinking about ordering some fake copies of a reputable scaffolding brand from a Chinese manufacturer, then prepare to be disappointed according to Combisafe technical director Tony Jenkins.

“There are copies all over the place. A lot of people will buy stuff from you and ship it over to China for copies to be made hoping it turns up correctly, but half the time it doesn’t because there is no quality control.

“The brand Coplock has pressed steel ends on the horizontal members and I’ve seen

them replaced by steel castings which are very brittle. So the strength characteristics are nothing like the parent product, even though it looks the same.”

Jenkins recommends you buy from a company that can guarantee the safety of its products and then you are more likely to receive additional benefits, such as long term technical support, product warranty insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

3. Go high tech It’s important for customers to realise that the best scaffolding systems are no longer a simple commodity, but rather a highly developed technical product, according to Meva Solutions scaffolding firm marketing manager Jens Lützow-Rodenwoldt. The best scaffolding may appear simple, but its integration into the construction system as a whole is not – the advantages are often hidden, but huge, he says.

“Many contractors may spend a fortune on equipment needed to erect the building, but then try and save on the scaffolding, which makes little sense. The money purportedly saved will generally be lost during timeconsuming assembly and unnecessary on-site adaptations because the scaffolding doesn’t fit. If a scaffold doesn’t adapt to the circumstance, worker status, space requirements or stability demands, then it’s too expensive to fiddle around with.

“Choose the best and only the best for the job because the site will say thanks and budgeting will hug you for it.”

4. Assess the accessibility One aspect that is often overlooked when purchasing scaffolding is vertical access requirements. It’s well known that ladders are BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

33

BUYER’S GUIDE SCAFFOLDING the most dangerous piece of equipment on any site yet they are still commonly used in scaffolding set-ups.

“When you put ladders up through the scaffolding you’re leaving huge holes for people to accidently fall down.” explains Jenkins.

“In other cases the scaffolding itself is the only way to climb up. You can eliminate this safety hazard by choosing a scaffold that provides stairway access.

“We do a lightweight aluminium stairway that just drops in external to the scaffold so that the main walk-through of the scaffold is completely clear.”

5. Ensure traceability In the event of a problem with a scaffolding component, you must have traceability according to Braithwaite. As such, each item needs to have markings that indicate when and where it was manufactured.

“If you have a failure in five years time, you want to know it is from a particular batch that you bought five years ago,” he says.

“We once had a problem with couplers and the manufacturer tracked it down to a particular problem with a particular batch.

“We had thousands of these couplers spread to the four corners of the earth, but because we had the traceability it was fairly easy to locate and quarantine them before it became a problem.”

6. Suss out the supplier There are as many scaffolding suppliers in the world as there are stars in the sky and on the surface it can appear that they’re all offering similar services, but Lützow-Rodenwoldt says it pays to do a little research into their knowledge and experience before you commit.

“Many of these guys may never have seen their scaffold in an assembled condition, let alone have any on-site. This may seem economical when purchasing or renting, but when the going gets rough and you need some expert advice, a commodity merchant won’t have any know-how to offer. He can’t afford to. So check the references before choosing a supplier; the better his experience, the bigger your advantage – something most purchasers and planners only realise when it’s too late.”

7. Ensure there’s technical support In the event of a failure Braithwaite says it’s essential that the manufacturer has a strong technical support team that can help you.

“Imagine you buy 100,000 scaffold couplers and one of them fails, do you know whether it is a one off or whether the other 99,999 are going to fail as well? We once had a failure of a single scaffold coupler and the manufacturer’s technical expert took it away, analysed the problem and came back with a good reason why it had failed and was able to assure us it was a one off,” he adds.

“Had we not had that service it would have 34

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

cost a lot of money to remove all those fittings from the site and replace them with new ones.”

8. Buy local To ensure you get the support and service that you want, Jenkins says it’s a good idea to buy from companies with a local presence and support team.

“If you’re based in Bahrain and buy scaffolding from someone overseas and the nearest point of contact is in Germany, France or China, then you’re not going to get very good support off them,” he says.

“If you have a local support team then it can end up saving you a lot of time, effort and money.”

Jenkins cites the unlimited technical support offered by Combisafe to its customers as an example.

“We send guys on site to measure up the project, prepare the drawings, do the calculations, prepare loading lists, method statements, risk assessments etc. To do what we offer they’d need to employ engineers,” he says.

“You’d never get that from a fake manufacturer because they don’t understand the industry.”

Buyers enjoy the business class experience offered by The Big 5’s inaugural Key Buyers Programme in the dedicated lounge area.

9. Request independent tests Any good manufacturer should already be supplying independent test certificates with its products. If they are not, then request one or stay away, says Braithwaite. If the manufacturer is not a regular supplier, he says it’s also worth requesting an independent test every batch or so, until a level of trust is built.

“We’ve had certain manufactures send us samples that have been independently tested and complied with specification, but when you start buying the products the standard wasn’t maintained,” he says.

“They obviously got in a cheaper load of steel at some point or put different rivets in the couplers that were bending and things like that.

“So there needs to be some level of ongoing independent testing, such that the manufacturer can prove that they are maintaining the standard.”

10. Check it yourself Assuming you’ve been through all the aforementioned checks and balances, you should be in good stead to have all your bases covered, but a visual inspection of the scaffolding when it arrives in your yard is still a must says Braithwaite.

“You need someone to actually inspect it and make sure that what is delivered is what you have purchased - that it is properly marked, the correct size, it has a good quality finish and so on.

“It’s the final failsafe, if you like, before equipment is put to use. We use trained yard staff to inspect the material against visual work instructions which indicate exactly what needs to be checked for each component.” 5

KEY BUYERS PROGRAMME A new feature of this year’s edition of the Big 5 show is the Key Buyers’ Programme, designed to add extra support for the industry’s 300 biggest buyers – the people managing projects valued at over US $500 million each that are based in the Middle East, North Africa, Iran and India.

These heavy-hitting deal-makers get fast track access into the show and are hosted in a private lounge, with executive suites available to conduct meetings in private.

The Key Buyers are also given more complete and detailed information on all exhibitors prior to the show, making it easier for them to pinpoint, find and discuss business with the exhibitors that are of interest to them throughout the Big 5.

“Our exhibitors want to see the key buyers and we’re excited to see what the results will be this year,” said DMG World Media VP construction Simon Mellor.

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Green building guru Samuel Keehn, LEED AP and Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Energy Management Services (EMS), gave us 15 minutes of his time as he spoke at the The Big 5 Green Stand options for building sustainability assessment tools (BSATs) but where you build will generally dictate which one you use.

Is that the best way to go about it? Probably not. But, it’s the way the market evolved here. The regulations haven’t caught up with the pace of building.

Why is that?

F

ounded in Jordan in 1991, EMS started as an energy services company and eventually grew into the Middle East’s first energy efficiency, water efficiency, green building consulting firm.

Originally, EMS focused on existing buildings and, in doing so, started to notice MEP systems and how over-designed they were. The EMS team realized that the buildings they were trying to make ‘green’ were completely inefficient.

Nineteen years later, the industry has gotten to the point where clients are finally asking green consultants to be involved during design stage. Now EMS consultants are involved at the pre-, mid- and end-design stages.

You’ve got to remember, the green movement happened overnight here. No one was ready for it; not architects, not engineers, not contractors and not developers. The industry wasn’t ready but Sheikh Mohammed [bin Rashid al Maktoum] wanted to do it, he made his decree in 2007, and it happened.

Keep in mind, whether you use LEED or whatever, there aren’t a lot of quantifiable differences between BSATs. Estidama and BREEAM Gulf have a slightly more local approach in that they try to deal with the Gulf context specifically but they’re all pretty similar. A notable exception is integrated design. LEED, BREEAM and all the others talk about integrated design but Estidama actually requires it.

That’s a very quantifiable difference.

So, why is everything LEED? As you see it, what is sustainability?

My definition of sustainability is very similar to the one that is generally accepted. I see it as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet the needs of all species. Most people only talk about sustainability in human terms but, I don’t think that’s accurate.

How did the green movement begin in the Gulf?

Three years ago, green buildings took off in the Middle East.

That’s when business for us began to skyrocket. There’s a lot of talk about water and energy efficiency in buildings but there’s a lot more to green buildings. Water and energy are important components but they’re not the whole package.

What is the whole package?

Regardless of whether you’re talking about BREEAM, LEED, Green Star or whatever, there are five main components: First, is the site, which is about connecting people and creating density; Water efficiency; Energy efficiency; Materials, which means using things that are locally sourced and/or recycled; and indoor air quality.

With so much information available, if I’m Joe Developer, which one do I use?

Honestly, you don’t get a lot of options. There are a lot of

LEED has more name recognition than any of them. For those involved in the building industry, LEED is a high-end brand.

And as such, there are definite financial benefits to aligning oneself with that brand.

Such as?

Lower operating costs, for example. Improved air quality, lower insurance premiums, higher occupancy, higher market values and future capital, productivity gains—did you know that a 1% gain in productivity is worth USD $20 per square metre?—reduced life cycle costs and higher satisfaction for both owners and occupants.

As a green building consultant, do you get tired of the green washing that seems so prevalent here?

Absolutely. There are a lot of false claims. There are a lot of products that claim to be able to add green points to a building but actually just add cost. The way we deal with that is to ask for documentation. If you don’t have documentation that proves a certain product comes with specific benefits, it’s not green as far as we’re concerned. If more consultants continue raising these questions, maybe the market will change.

Remember, the green movement happened very very quickly.

In Europe or the US, the green building movement is 30, 40 or

50 years old; here, it’s three years old. So, yes, sometimes it’s easy to get frustrated at the green washing but you’ve go to keep it in perspective and see it for what it is.

What really bothers me is when consultants start green washing themselves. That’s really frustrating. As a green consultant, we’re supposed to be serving the industry. Our role, as I see it, is halfway to being regulators. I understand green washing from manufacturers, but from a consultant, it’s really shameful.

In terms of buildings, what is the easiest way to achieve sustainability?

Get everyone involved as early as possible. That is absolutely key. There’s a lot of copy/paste design here where owners or contractors will try to add green components to a building after the fact. That’s pointless. The way to achieve a green building is to get everyone around a table and start at the beginning.

‘Stovepipe design’ simply won’t work for the industry.

Stovepipe design is when you’ve got the architect doing his design, the MEP doing his design and the consultant doing a third one. Those guys need to be talking. They cannot have a vertical focus. They need to be having the same conversation; the earlier the better.

BIG 5 GREEN STAND SCHEDULE Wednesday, November 25th 11.00

Afsar Suleman (KEO) “Daylight: A Mandatory Requirement of Green Buildings” Mario Seneviratne (Green Technologies)

12.00

“Energy Saving with External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems” Thorsten Schneider (Henkel) Abdel Khan (Faithful+Gould)

14.00

Bassam Abu-Hijleh (BUiD)

15.00

Altaf Jasnaik (Sharp)

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

37

IN DEPTH GAIA AWARDS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

BRONZE BRILLIANCE The Gaia bronze winners are finding that the recognition from winning an award is very welcome

By James Boley

T

he official objective of the Gaia Awards is very simple; to raise the profile of green or environmentally sound building products and services in the GCC region, reflecting the desire to ‘build green’, and to enable visitors at The Big 5 exhibition to easily locate and evaluate these products on the exhibition floor.

With this in mind, a wide range of winners picked up bronze awards as part of the Gaia awards, and are finding that the all –important winners’ floor tile is helping raise interest and awareness, not only in their specific products but also in green construction in general.

Ten products picked up bronze gongs, with one company

managing to pick up two for itself. European firms made a strong showing in this particular category, with the majority of winners originating from the EU. Some exhibitors are also introducing established products into the region for the first time – which goes to show how the GCC is now firmly on the map when it comes to sustainability. 5

THE WINNERS We catch up with Gaia award winners in the Bronze category, to learn what success in the business of being green means to them.

Monotub Bespoke column formers

Solar collector PANDA 2,6 SLIM

Stand Number: Zabeel F122 This product from Anchor Bay has been used at Doha airport and is being debuted commercially in the Middle East for the first time. “It’s a big honour for us to win this award and we take it very seriously. It’s really helped with our promotion as reducing your carbon footprint is becoming so important in the construction industry, said Anchor Bay CEO Keir Donald. “The Gaia awards are quite important. They give an independent assessment of the quality of a product and give customers and clients confidence in the quality of the product.”

Stand Number: Zabeel Y59 “Winning this award means we’re a leader. The entire world is going green, so there are many advantages for winning. It’s part of our aim to make people’s lives happy,” said Dutch Digital Distribution mechanical engineer-manager Tariq Al Madanat. “We find that there is now a lot of interest in green products. People are changing their mentality and asking for more environmentally friendly products.”

Joubert Marine ply Stand Number: 4C 155 The award for this wood product sourced from Gabon has FSC certification and also has received awards in California for its low formaldehyde content. The award was warmly welcomed by Joubert Plywood general manager Michael Geoffroy. “This award is a big achievement for us. We’re very proud and honoured, considering the number of entrants,” he said. “The award is bringing interest to the product and it’s good marketing. It also represents all the hard work by the team.”

The wood is sourced from tropical forests in Gabon.

Joubert respects all rules of the forest, its biodiversity and we create jobs in the reason. We’ve always been very conscious about being green; this isn’t just

38

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

something we started doing two years ago. The wood has FSC certification but it also has CARB 93120 certification for ULEF.

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Thomsit RX20, Thomsit RX 40 and Ceresit CM Stand Number: 4 A161 90

Novelio Cleanair

Henkel Polybit was celebrating winning twice in the bronze category for its low-dust adhesives and floor levelers. “The awards prove the ability of our R&D team. We believe in making people’s lives easier, better and more beautiful, and both Thomsit and Ceresit help us do this,” said Henkel Polybit general marketing manager Thorsten Schneider. “Sustainability is one of our core values and it’s the most important thing to us.

These awards mean a lot to us because there aren’t many regions that give awards like this.”

The formaldehyde-absorbing paintable wall covering has been reformulated and introduced to the Gulf market, after enjoying 40 years of widespread use in Europe. “We’re very proud to win this award. It’s a sign that we’re becoming a leader in the market.

Awards like this are also good for promoting products as it helps differentiate you from your competitor, and it’s useful for drawing attention,” said SaintGobain Technical Fabrics sales director Philippe Ermel. “It’s also good to get recognition for all the hard work done by the team.”

Stand Number: 4 C150

HyPM Fuel Cell

IN DEPTH GAIA AWARDS Brown 3 Ply Hard Sheet Stand Number: 3 A110 Best Choice is definitely feeling the benefits of winning an award. “It’s a great feeling to win an award. The product has been around for three years now, and it was a big surprise to win,” said Best Choice Floors business development assistant manager Sherry Elias. “From a sales perspective it’s been very useful, it’s increased our sales lead and we’ve seen specific enquiries as a result of the award. Awards like the Gaia awards are important because they make people aware of innovative products. Exhibitions all around the world should have awards like these.”

Texo System

Stand Number: 11 A147

Stand Number: 2 B96 The Texo shading system’s award should help differentiate it among its competitions, according to distributor Procoin’s organisational and technical services manager David Martinez.

“We’re proud of this award. This is the beginning, we’ll have to wait and see what affect this will have on our business,” he said.

“Awards like the Gaia awards are very important.

They help to differentiate your company and product.

Many people are now thinking of green products so this helps draw their attention.”

Bringing space age technologies to solve Earthly problems is a great solution, according to Gulf International Trading chairman and CEO Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim Al Midfa. “The globe we share, we cannot spare. Bringing space technology back to Earth brings us the utmost benefit,” he said. “This award means a lot to us.” Having previous won during the 2008 Gaia Awards, Al Midfa also shared the secrets to success. “You must have an innovative product, one that is good quality and unique.”

FOAMGLAS Cellular glass insulation Stand Number: 7 A305 The inflammable insulation from Pittsburgh Corning Europe can now add Gaia Bronze to its environmental credentials, which also include Masdar approval. “It’s an important step for the economy here to promote green products. It’s a nice award to have and it’s good to know that we’re going in the right direction,” said general manager Marco Thomas Vincenz.

Welcome to Swiss Building & Construction Solutions!

Hall 7 – Booth No. 7A301 – 7C302 of switzerland

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

39

Consider

FABRIC for

your next

DuctSox are fabric air dispersion products for

" #

SEE US AT THE

STAND NO. 1B15

/ ) + %0 %) %+ 4 +67 %0 %) %+

Environmental

8): 0 ; +7 < , = ,+ / %, 0 , ,

> = %,+ + % ,+, > = : + % ,+, 8): 0 : + 0 +7

Discover the advantages of fabric air dispersion!

www.ductsox.com www.ductsox-mena.com Be sure to check out our newest products : UFSoxTM

LabSoxTM

Middle East & Northern Africa

$ %

P.O Box 59925 & ' ! # Riyadh 11535 Amman 11953

" ! !

" !" # $ % " # """ ! () % * +, -) % )

3x1 Hanger Suspension

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

ASIA REGIONAL VIEW

Asia Region Japanese hope to gain ground in Gulf Japanese piping looking to capitalize on master planning and infrastructure development in the Gulf Stand: C309 Much like the country from whence they traveled, the Japanese contingent in the Concourse Hall is small but mighty.

Descending upon Dubai to introduce efficient piping solutions, global players Sekisui Chemical Company and Nippon Kanzai Center—both at Big 5 under the larger Cocomech umbrella—are here to build business relationships with the aim of taking advantage of the large scale urban planning happening around the Gulf.

“Big 5 is the biggest exhibition in the Middle East. This is the only show we do in the region and this market is very strong,” explained Matoba Takeshi, assistant manager, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd. “We’ve also heard that there is a real need for our piping products because of the amount of construction that’s happening so we’ve decided to focus our efforts here.”

Branding itself as “an urban infrastructure and environmental products company”, Sekisui uses advanced resin compounding, moulding and materials for surface functionalisation in the electronic, auto, medical and building material industries.

Though it remains a major international player in piping, even Sekisui’s well established reputation hasn’t protected it from the realities of the building industry.

The Nippon Kanzai Center team is hoping to make waves in the piping industry with its ixPress.

“We haven’t seen the footfall as in past years but that’s probably because of the economy.

Last year we saw a lot of people and we did a lot of business,” said Ke Liu, assistant manager, global water pipe systems division at Sekisui. “Compared with yesterday, there are more customers. We’re collecting business cards in order to make new connections and broaden our business base here.”

While its core competency also revolves around providing piping solutions, the value of Nippon Kanzai Center products lies not in its pipes, but in its fittings. “Conventional piping in the UAE is either PPR or copper. The

problem with those materials is that they’re expensive and they rely upon the unstable metal market. When you deal with metal, you’ve also got to consider the time and skill for welding,” explained Nobuki Yamauchi, assistant to the GM at Metal One Corporation and former manager of Nippon Kanzai Center.

Yamauchi continued: “Our pipes are plastic and, honestly, there are many plastic pipes on the market and they’re all very good but it’s the fittings that are the problem. Our fitting mechanism is revolutionary. Let me give you an idea: To do one floor of a hotel, approximately 1500 square metres, would

normally take two weeks and ten labourers.

With our ixPress system, it would take four workers three days to do it. Effectively, it takes one quarter of the installation time. A five or six year old child could do it.”

While Nippon Kanzai Center is a well known name throughout Asia, its reason for coming to Big 5 was altogether different than Sekisui’s. “We came to expand the brand and introduce our new technology,” explained assistant sales manager, Yoshioka Nozomu.

The only press-fitting on the market that requires no tools and is compatible with both multilayer and PEX pipes, the ixPress system was invented in 2002 but has only recently gained exposure outside Japan.

“The new technology is easy to use, reduces installation time significantly and it allows for a more efficient flow of water. It’s also guaranteed for 25 years,” said Nozomu.

Innovative technology aside, introducing its products to the UAE market will remain a challenge for Nippon Kanzai Center if footfall doesn’t increase. “Everyone has stopped by our stand but we haven’t done the business as in past years. We’re hoping to see an increase in over the next few days.”

Regardless of whether they get 10 visitors or a million, Nozomu is optimistic about the Japanese flag flying outside his stand. “Made in Japan is a good brand, people trust it.”

Malaysia’s Antekad SDN BHD sees a lot left to finish Stand: C415

How was the first day of Big 5?

What were you hoping for from the recession stricken Big 5?

It was a lot less busy than last year. I don’t think people are nervous; they’re just reluctant to come in and see what we have to offer. Last year on Day One we had 30-40 clients asking for our product. Today, frankly, we didn’t even have one person visit us.

We came here to keep up relations. It’s a big exhibition and it’s important to be involved.

We’re here just to be present. While we’re targeting the UAE, we’re still looking at neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar as well.

So, you’ve exhibited at Big 5?

What are your expectations for the rest of the week?

Yes, we’ve been here four times. Everyone keeps talking about the optimism of the market and the optimism in Dubai but if you look around, a lot of the city is still a building site. Still, very little is being finished.

Well, we’re trying to stay optimistic. It would be nice to make some connections, meet some new clients and do a little business while we’re here.

Antekad SDN BHD’s Technical Director, Klaus Neuendorff, is targeting several GCC countries.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

41

ASIA REGIONAL VIEW

Dubai is the real gateway to the Gulf The emirate offers Indian companies a point of entry to the UAE but also the rest of the region

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

ASIAN OPINIONS FAR EAST EXHIBITORS TALK ABOUT THE BIG 5 SHOW KIN LONG Where: Stand 8A364 Who: Kenny Song, sales representative doors and window hardware We’re hoping to make a few more friends in construction circles and also to put our brand out there and demonstrate our quality to visitors.

We provided curtain wall expertise on the Burj Dubai, as well as the Beijing National Stadium [The Bird’s Nest].

Although we’re very big in China, we’re still fairly small in the Gulf but we’re confident we can change that with our product and service.

ZHANGZHOU HONGFAHENG CARPENTRY CO Where: Stand T131A Who: Irene Lin, business manager We’d love to meet with clients here – whether that be wholesalers, retailers, developers or construction companies.

However, we’ve actually just launched some new door products and the show is an excellent opportunity to test those products, see if they can be improved or whether they’ll be embraced.

So far, the response has been very good and the turnout has actually been better than we expected.

CODES CO DEZHOU ZHENHUA DECORATION GLASS CO Angel Bath Fittings’ Yogesh Sani: Middle East is an important market for Indian companies.

I

ndian manufacturers and suppliers are working hard to increase their profile and the knowledge of their products in Dubai, as they see the emirate as the key to opening up the entire region.

Speaking in the Indian Pavilion at this year’s Big 5 show, Angel Bath Fittings’ [10F98] Yogesh Saini said: “Of course, this is a really important region for us, that’s why we’re here at the Big 5.

“But Dubai is every bit as important for its status as a gateway to the rest of the Gulf – expanding markets in Kuwait and Qatar, for example – just as much as for the numerous

construction projects taking place in the UAE itself.”

And Saini added that offering a wide range, as well as a high quality and well priced, product, was essential for Indian companies looking to crack the GCC. “We manufacture and sell a range of faucet lines and systems, all of which are 100% brass and pitched at the mid to high-end. Most are for residential use, although some of the top lines are ideal for luxury hotels too.

“We have some clients and contacts here in the UAE, but we’re at the Big 5 trying to tap into the market a bit more and increase our share.”

GLOBALMARKET GROUP Stand: C321 Speaker: Vivian Fan & Lulu Xhang Country: China Industry: International manufacturer networking community

Where: Stand AM47 Who: Jiang Shuhui, group general sales manager We saw this as an opportunity to come over and see some of our customers – we already have a steady customer base in the Middle East.

As a result of the slowdown in construction, we’ve noticed that there are a lot more wholesalers and retailers at the show this year, while some of the bigger manufacturers have perhaps chosen not to spend on exhibitions.

The Middle East is a more difficult market than it was and, in some cases, clients are looking for cheaper, low quality alternatives.

Our product has a good reputation throughout the region as it is high quality, provides excellent sound insulation and comes in a variety of designs. Our tiles aren’t only decorative but can be used to create fully functioning walls too.

How was the first day of Big 5?

Today was ok. A bit slow. To be honest, the morning was better than the afternoon.

YARET

Have you ever exhibited at Big 5?

Where: Stand AM27 Who: Robert Yang, group commercial manager

We came last year. Last year was not very good because December has too many holidays and then it’s New Year. People aren’t really focused on doing business this late in the year.

What are your expectations for the rest of the week?

I think it’s reasonable to expect that the rest of the week will be the same as today.

Unfortunately. 5 42

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

We’re definitely here to find some direct customers, as we’re sure that the Middle East represents a growing market for our aluminium products and services.

We’re looking for a whole range of customers, from specifiers and contractors to developers.

Where: Stand ZX24 Who: Chris Sang-Min Yoon, overseas sales and marketing We’re just starting to develop our products and enter into this market.

It’s still early days for us in the Middle East, but we think there’s going to be a really positive response.

We manufacture creative LED lighting solutions, from spot lights and desk lamps to security lights and street lamps.

They provide a better quality and coverage of light but they also save up to 80% of energy compared to traditional incandescent lighting, so they’re very environmentally friendly and help to reduce developments’ carbon footprints.

We’re really confident of expansion here because all over the world governments are setting up laws and regulations relating to sustainable and environmentally-beneficial building; as it becomes mandatory, we’ll provide solutions.

BETHEL ENGINEERING Where: Stand 7G312 Who: Hyeon Jeong Kim This is actually our second year at the Big 5 show and we’re looking to build relationships with potential agents here in Dubai.

We work with a lot of companies back in Korea and want to expand that network.

The crowds here are actually a lot better than we expected, given the economic climate, but we also think that more and more visitors will come through the doors throughout the rest of the week.

Please register your interest in cooperation by clicking www.nolte-kuechen.com/partners

www.nolte-kuechen.com

Since its foundation in 1958 the family enterprise Nolte Küchen has been dedicated to manufacturing high quality kitchens. Today, we are Germany‘s second largest brand with over 1.100 employees and standard production capacity achieving 800 kitchens daily. Expert logistics, intensive service and a large variety of door styles and cabinets have assured us strong long-term cooperations with both retail and project partners in more than 40 countries worldwide. In combination with our innovative measurement system “Matrix 150” kitchens from Nolte Küchen provide the first step for a successful partnership!

GET NEW INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS – TOGETHER WITH NOLTE KÜCHEN

ASIA REGIONAL VIEW Company: Ashirvad Pipes PVT Ltd. Stand: C441 Speaker: V. Gopalakrishnan Country: India Industry: Submersible Bore Hole Pipes

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Does your company do much business in the Middle East?

It’s Monday, so it’s reasonable to think that people are still tired from the weekend.

Yes. Our products are all over the GCC right now. We’re also hoping to branch out into Northern Africa in 2010.

What are your expectations for the rest of the week?

How was the first day of Big 5?

What were you hoping for from the recession stricken Big 5?

It was great. Our stand was visited by several really effective and really interested customers. I think in one day, we generated the potential for many deals.

As a businessman, of course, we were hoping for more business but we’re satisfied with the result after the first day. We’ll have to see how the rest of the week goes.

We hopefully will have a chance to get to more end users. We know that our client base is in the GCC and several of those clients are here but we’re also looking to meet some of the MENA distributors too. We came to Big 5 to make those connections.

Malaysia can fill the Taiwanese plumbing Middle East’s gaps firms offer results GCC contractors should look east for solutions The Middle East is turning to Malaysia to fill construction and material needs that aren’t available in the region.

Malaysian exhibitors at the Big 5 show have said that it is a trend they expect will continue.

“Maybe we can’t offer the sorts of skills and traditions that European companies can, but Malaysian companies are looking at the Middle East construction industry and wanting to be part of it and, increasingly, the industry is turning to us for products,” said Ami Ang, sales executive for Gema Marketing [10C127], a company providing scaffolding and framework solutions.

Mohm Chemicals [10C123] manufactures industrial sealants, silicones and adhesives, all to international standards. The company’s David Yap pointed to the growing number of large-scale projects and high-rises constructed

in Malaysia as reason for Middle East contractors to call on their proven solutions.

“We have a vast number of buildings being constructed, as well as many impressive towers and high-rises. We can really aid contractors here by introducing some modern technologies,” he said.

“We manufacture pre-insulated pipes for district cooling, insulation and HVAC and have supplied projects such as the Burj Dubai, TECOM, Palm Jumeirah, Discovery Gardens and Dubai Investment Park, all in Dubai,” explained Insafoam Insulation’s group general manager Ch Choong.

“I think that more and more contractors and developers in this region are realising that turning to Malaysian products means competitive pricing, quality and service with a smile,” Choong concluded.

Taylor and Alice from Trafalgar International are hoping for a flood of interest.

Insafoam Insulation’s Ch Choong & Sally Tan hope to take advantage of Gulf industry needs.

44

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

‘Yes we can!’ proclaims the sign on Pony Sanitary Ware’s stand, and this attitude summed up the can-do spirit of the various firms from the island of Taiwan displaying in hall 11 who hope to bring taps, washers. faucets and other types of plumbing to the already well supplied Middle East market.

Pony hopes innovative products will help generate interest. “We supply taps that can have a focused or spray beam, just like a shower” explained Jenny Liao from Pony. The firm also supplies flexible joint pipes “These are well known in Asia, but less so elsewhere”.

Elsewhere in the same section, Trafalgar International are hoping to make inroads in the region, and are displaying a range of ‘reverse osmosis’ faucets, which the company

claims will make any tap water safe and pleasant to drink. “We appreciate it is not common for people in the Gulf to drink tap water, but our system produces a result that is both cleaner, and far, far cheaper than bottled water’ explained general manager Taylor Young through his translator, Alice. “We also supply general bathroom accessories and supply tubes as well as refrigeration tools.”

Meanwhile Comtech are also displaying a reverse osmosis system, but this one differs from the rest. “Our reverse osmosis product is brand new on the market and differs from the rest as it is a compact unit, which requires no separate tank,” said Sammi Lin, a plumbing specialist with the firm.

ASIA REGIONAL VIEW

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Chinese excited by new research Chinese companies open the door to new research revealing continued strength of construction

Hongmen manager Benny Khoo.

Find them at: 11G165 and 11G157 A number of far eastern companies have become excited by some new research issued by the organisers of the Big 5 exhibition, which illustrates the true state of the GCC construction market. The figures, released by Streamline Marketing Group, paint a more positive picture of the regional construction

industry which has been battling to shrug off the effects of the global economic crisis.

According to the research carried out on behalf of Streamline Marketing Group

by Dubai-based Proleads, which monitors regional construction projects across all industry sectors, Saudi Arabia currently has 847 active projects valued at US$417,859 billion.

The UAE leads the way, with 1,853 civil building projects worth a total of US$661,443 billion currently under way across four sectors – commercial and retail, education and healthcare, leisure and entertainment, and residential.

Kuwait currently has 160 active projects worth US$142,759 billion, Qatar 186 projects valued at US$48,215 billion, Bahrain 232 projects worth US$40,258 billion, and Oman 116 projects valued at US$38,512 billion.

Ken Li, the export manager for PanPan Security, a firm which specialises in reenforced doors said, “We re most excited about the developing market here, and we think that it is great news that the market continues to grow for our highsecurity solutions.”

Benny Khoo, a manager at Hongmen, an electrical gate firm from Shenzen said: “We

We’re most excited about the developing market here – these results are great news

are looking for a dealer here, so it is great news that the market valuation is still very high. The number of ongoing projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia means we should have a good market for our security products.

Overall, the latest market analysis shows that a fraction under 75% of all announced projects in the region are still progressing, representing a much more optimistic outlook at the start of an important week for the regional construction industry.

“While there is no getting away from the fact that a large number of major projects in the region are now on hold, or have been cancelled, as a result of the global downturn, the latest market research underlines the fact that there is still a massive amount of construction going on in the region,” said Emil Rademeyer, director, Proleads. 5

HM Esmail & Co senior sales and marketing manager, Syed Shujaat Ali Rizvi

Skypen senior marketing executive, Muhammad Fasih-Ul-Islam

Suntex Gloves Industries managing director, Fraz Aslam

Find them at: 9 E77 The days have been busier and better as they’ve gone and we hope that continues as we get a greater response.

It’s our first year at Big 5, although we have exhibited at other shows in Dubai previously.

The response so far has been fine, especially to our cable solutions. We have two main brands here – the first being the Millat fans and the second the HM cables – both manufactured in Pakistan. There’s a full range in the cables, high/low voltage, standard, control, telecoms etc.

The Middle East is still a good market for us, for the cables particularly, as there is still a relatively thriving construction industry in this region.

Find them at: 9 F74 It’s Skypen’s first time at the Big 5 show and we feel we’ve received a decent amount of feedback and made some good contacts. There’s certainly still a lot of scope here in this region.

We fabricate UPVC and aluminium window and door profiles and systems. As something that all buildings simply have to have, we’re obviously drawn to the Middle East where there is still a lot of building taking place.

As we manufacture in Pakistan, we can offer more competitive pries than companies based in other countries, such as Germany or Turkey. This is because the labour force is, obviously, cheaper, but we’re also much closer to this region, so transport costs are kept low.

Find them at: 9 E73 For us, the Big 5 has been ok – especially for our first year at the show, not knowing what to expect.

We manufacture industry standard industrial gloves for on-site use, produced in Pakistan, and we feel like this is still a market with plenty of potential for our products.

As we manufacture in Pakistan, we can offer more competetive prices than other companies

An almost perfect exhibition for Delhi exhibitor Ozone Overseas Ltd Stand: C312 Speaker: Rajiv Agarwal Country: New Delhi, India Industry: Architectural Hardware How has Big 5 been so far?

This year is slightly slower than last year.

The number of walk-in visitors is lower but the buyers seem to be much more serious as well. So, it’s a nice balance.

Have you ever exhibited at Big 5?

Yes, we exhibited at Big 5 last year.

We were very positive about the response we received from last year’s edition of the

exhibition and we’re still positive about what’s to come this year.

What were you hoping for from Big 5?

It’s a big name; a premium brand. Lots of visitors seem positive so I hope that translates into more business. The show is next to perfect.

What are your expectations for the rest of the week?

Well, of course, we’re hoping more people will come to our stand. We’re hoping that a strong show turns into a stronger week. We have one less day this year because of the Eid holiday so maybe it’ll mean more business earlier on.

Ozone Overseas’ Rajiv Agarwal says Big 5 2009 has seen “a nice balance”.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

45

Confidence in Steel for Concrete Construction

?

CARES Product Certification

or High Risk

• Verified compliancewith British Standards

• That non-CARES approved steel will not have been fully assessed to the British Standards

• Assurance of on-going compliance of every delivery • No need for further testing • No need for certificates • Avoid unnecessary site delays • Full traceability of steel from steel mill to site • Full backing of CARES in cases of complaints to suppliers

• That traceability of steel from source to site is non existent • That the steel will not consistently meet the requirements of the British Standards • That processing of non-conforming steel may result in damage to personnel or the structure

Why take the RISK? For further information about CARES and an up-to-date list of manufacturers and suppliers holding CARES certification please consult the CARES website: www.ukcares.com Alternatively, contact the office:UK Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels, Pembroke House, 21 Pembroke Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR

Telephone - 01732 450000 Fax - 01732 455917 E-mail - general@ukcares.com

Confidence in Steel for Concrete Construction CARES is a UK based, internationally recognised certification body fully accredited and operating independently for the benefit of all key sectors of the supply chain for construction materials and products. The key products covered by CARES are reinforcing steels, prestressing steels and associated products, for their manufacture, processing and stocking and distribution including installation against defined product standards and design codes. The CARES certification schemes ensure that products supplied to the construction industry consistently satisfy the customer’s requirements.

Compliance with product standards All products covered by the CARES schemes are tested against product standards or specifications both by the manufacturer and at intervals for verification by CARES. The efficient use of constructional steels is dependent on these having the specified product properties and also being properly processed and installed.

The importance of the CARES approved processor or installer The CARES approved processor or installer is the vital link between the steel producer and the construction site and ensures that: • The steel or the construction product satisfies the customers requirements and therefore of the product standard or specification.

• The steel and associated products are not damaged during processing or installation.

• Traceability has been maintained and all steel and products used are from a CARES approved supplier or those acceptable to CARES. • Processing or installation are performed by suitably trained and qualified personnel.

Traceability A key element of the CARES certification schemes is traceability of the manufacturer and of the product and processing details.

CARES approved manufacturers and processors must keep records of material and products used and when required these can be produced. As a result it is not necessary for contractors to

require additional testing of material or products or for copies of test certificates to be sent with products to site.

Avoidance of site delays Contactors receiving material from a CARES approved processor or stockist can use the materials or products with confidence and therefore do not need to carry out further tests in order to ensure compliance. Alternatively, failure to specify CARES approval places the onus of compliance fully on the shoulders of the purchaser which in turn may result in further testing resulting in the addition of significant cost and often site delays. Material that does not comply with the standard or specification in all respects increases the risk that the structures in which they are used will not perform as specified.

Monitoring of Scheme performance The CARES certification schemes require that records of complaints relating to compliance of the product made against approved firms are properly addressed and that details of these complaints are returned to CARES at regular intervals. Further action may be taken by CARES against the approved firm if required. CARES acts as a point of reference when the performance of one of its approved firms casts doubts on the effectiveness of the relevant certification scheme.

CARES list of approved firms CARES regularly updates a list of approved firms which is maintained on the CARES website (www.ukcares.com ). Each firm’s entry gives the scope of the CARES certification as well as other key details of the firm. Occasionally firms make spurious claims regarding CARES approval. This may relate to approval of the firm itself or of the products and services for which they might hold approval. If there are any doubts concerning the approval status of a firm, then the CARES list of approved firms should be consulted or alternatively the CARES office should be contacted for verification.

Why take the RISK?

For further information about CARES and an up-to-date list of manufacturers and suppliers holding CARES certification please consult the CARES website: www.ukcares.com Alternatively, contact the office:UK Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels, Pembroke House, 21 Pembroke Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR

Telephone - 01732 450000 Fax - 01732 455917 E-mail - general@ukcares.com

UPDATE PRODUCT SEMINARS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

LEEDing the way Technical talk Kapil Kumar, energy manager at Prime

Technologies, discusses LEED accreditations and the importance of training What are the best renewable technologies?

Kamil Kumar, energy manager, Prime Technologies

Hall 1, D20

What subjects did your technical seminar cover?

My presentation was all about green building services and the services Prime Technologies is offering. We are offering many full services, one is LEED certification for a building, another is a ratings for an existing building.

We do the consultancy for energy efficient products, in order to find out which of the products are more energy efficient. Our last one was training in LEED topics. I myself am a LEED accredited professional.

Why is LEED accreditation important?

At least 600 projects in Dubai are LEED accredited. Here you can see the carbon footprint of Dubai is high compared to any other part of the world, so this is a good way to reduce emissions. If you follow the LEED ratings you will be able to reduce the amount of emissions.

There are far more silver rated buildings over platinum because it is easier to achieve.

48

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Solar radiation is very high here in the Middle East, you can generate 5-7 kw/h per square metre per day. That is a significant amount of energy so solar is a prime way of producing power for buildings. But here is a problem with solar because of dust deposition. So we need to find a new technology so we can improve the efficiency of the panels and remove the dust.

In green building, if you follow the lead then you need to make 1-3% of the whole building consumption from renewable energy. This will get you one LEED point. The more renewable energy you use, the more points you will get with LEED. We haven’t consulted with Masdar but we have submitted proposals to Masdar and we are also trying to do the commissioning for the Burj Dubai, the biggest tower in the world.

Do you see an increase in LEED platinum rated buildings in the Middle East?

Pacific Control Systems is the only LEED platinum building in Dubai, I see more in the future though. Many buildings are already in the process of getting LEED certification.

They are not platinum but there are silver.

Dubai Academic City for example is a silver rating.

There are far more silver rated buildings over platinum because it is easier to achieve.

When you build a building, you decide at the start which rating you are going for then you attempt to achieve that.

What training services does Prime Technologies offer?

We do integrated in house workshops for companies on green building. We take them through all the ways to make buildings green. We do not actually give them the qualification, that comes from the United States Green Building Council but we do offer them the training so they can achieve that.

We have been trying to get tie-ins with universities in the Middle East in order to approach young engineers and teach them the importance of having green buildings.

It will take some time to make the industry mature here; it is still a fairly new concept of green building. It will take time to make the industry completely green but I am confident it will happen and companies will be able to make savings through this. 5

Meet the experts face to face at The Big 5 Product Seminars, running throughout the show Need detailed product information before making a decision? Need to know exactly how something will work for you? The Big 5 Product Seminars give you an opportunity to get face-to-face with manufacturers and suppliers of a range of construction products and services.

Speakers will be presenting concise and detailed information about what they can offer, so check out the timetable and find time in your show schedule to learn something new.

LOCATION Seminar Rooms Dubai D, 1st Floor (above Sheikh Maktoum Hall), Dubai World Trade Centre

DAY 4: Thursday 26th November Product Demonstrations 11.00 Topic High Density Polyethelene Pipes and Fittings 12.00 13.00

Speaker

Mr Luigi Scaffidi, General Manager & Mr Enrico, Regional Manager

Company

Plastitalia

Topic

Protection of Natural and Artifical Stones

Speaker

Mr Altug Okay, Managing Partner

Company

Foretrade Import-Export FZC

Topic

Boilers and Steam System

Speaker

Mr Eid E Eid, Middle East Regional Manager, York Shipley Mr Loubane G Zouein, Equipment Sales Manager, York Shipley

Company

Prime Technologies LLC

Cost Saving Products & Services 14.00 Topic Mechanical Rebar Coupling System 15.00

Speaker

Ms Shari Robitaille

Company

TECNIA GmbH

Topic

Chilled Beams contribute to LEED points

Speaker

Mr Gunnar Svensson,Regional Manager

Company

Swegon

Environmental Solutions 16.00 Topic Carbon Projects in Construction 17.00

Speaker

Armen Vartanian, Director

Company

Ecoventures

Topic

Advanced Waste Water Treatment using Moving Bed Bio Film Reactor Technology

Speaker

Nabil Mohamed Najeeb, Engineer-Research and Development

Company

Global Engineering Systems F.Z.C

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The older it gets, the better you lookâ&#x20AC;?

Ashford Forumla is a colorless, transparent liquid that penetrates concrete and masonry building materials, protecting, preserving, and strengthening them.

It does this by effectively penetrating the surface and solidifying the components of the concrete into one solid mass. The effect is to increase density and toughen, harden and resist moisture for the life of the concrete.

OfďŹ ce: +971 4 363 8261 Mobile: +971 50 422 9282 Fax.: +971 4 363 8260 Email: tony.hogg@ashfordformula.com Visit: www.ashfordformula.com

UPDATE CONFERENCES

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Conference sessions are on Two days of informative conference kick off early tomorrow, but you can still register to attend now.

THE BIG 5 TECHNICAL CONFERENCE Wednesday 25th November 2009 09.00 – 17.15 The Monarch Hotel We are delighted to introduce The Big 5 Technical Conference - designed specifically for professional engineers. Leading technical figures have been invited to speak on Sustainability & Green Environmental Engineering, Energy Saving Solutions & District Cooling and Project Management.

If you are working in an applied engineering role within the Middle East Building & Construction industry you will find considerable value in attending this programme. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity

For the Engineering Professional 08.00 Registration opens. Coffee on arrival 09.00 – 10.45 Project Management CHAIR: Mr David Dale, Partner EC Harris Dr Mamoon Atout, Project Manager Horizon Star International LLC Mr Emil Rademeyer, Director Proleads Mr Martin Seaward-Case, Director - Contracts & Procurement Chairman of RICS UAE Board Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Panel Session Q&A

10.45 Networking Break & Mid Morning Coffee 11.00 - 12.30 DISTRICT COOLING & ENERGY SAVING

CONFERENCE LOCATION THE MONARCH HOTEL JUST ACROSS SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD FROM THE TRADE CENTRE Once again The Big 5, in conjunction with Proleads, has brought together some of the region’s most infl uential and distinguished industry leaders in the building and construction industry.

Day two – Wednesday 25th - is The Big 5 Technical Conference, designed specifically for professional engineers. Leading technical fi gures have been invited to speak on sustainability and green environmental engineering, energy saving solutions and district cooling and project management.

Both days get an early start, with conference programmes kicking off at 9am sharp.

Each day’s discussions are scheduled to finish at 5:15pm, leaving plenty of time for a few hours at the exhibition too.

The conference sessions will be held at the Monarch Hotel, on Sheikh Zayed Road, a short walk from the Trade Centre.

Attendance is free and registration can be completed at onsite registration desks or you can reserve your space ahead of time online at www.thebig5exhibition.com.

CHAIR: Mr Ben Thompson, Senior Editor GDS International Ms Cathy Crocker, Associate Director of Building Services Scott Wilson Ltd Mr Daryl Wilson, Chief Executive Officer Hydrogenics Corporation Mr Mohammad Abusaa, Regional Manager of Business Development ADC Energy Systems Panel Session Q&A

12.30 Networking Lunch 13.30 - 15.30 SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL ESTATE Sustainability Advocates and Green Design & Construction Professionals share their expertise in presenting and sharing their knowledge CHAIR: Mr Mario Seneviratne, Managing Director, Green Technologies FZCO Mr Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director Enpark and SEED Mr Brocas Burrows, Marketing and Sales Director Platinum Vision Mr Ray Noble, Senior PV Consultant Gulf International Trading Group - Romag Panel Session Q&A

15.30 Networking Break & Afternoon Coffee 15.45 - 16.45 SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL ESTATE CHAIR: Mr Mario Seneviratne, Managing Director Green Technologies FZCO Mr Alexander Volobuev, Commercial Production Manager, Australian Innovative Systems Mr Olli Vuola, Chief Executive Officer NEAPO Mr David Baggs, CEO, Technical Director and Co-founder EcoSpecifier Global Panel Session Q&A including Mr Richard Smith, WS Atkins

17.00 END 50

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

UPDATE CONFERENCES

today, register right now!

Attendance is completely free, so log on to www.thebig5exhibition.com and reserve your place today

Looking ahead MAG Group CEO Mohammed Nimer speaks candidly about Dubai’s experience in the economic crisis, and offers advice for companies on how to prepare for 2010.

What are the lessons for the construction industry from the UAE experience in the last 12 months?

In everything that happens, you have negatives and positives, and yes, we have learned a lot. But one of the positives about what has been happening in Dubai and the world generally is that the recent expansion was not normal, and the industry has learnt that having so many projects at the same time has been a high risk strategy for everyone in the construction arena.

Some of the developers, like ourselves, were careful from day one, and took each step at a time. We worked on one job, designed a second and considered a third. In this way, we were safer than the others. I’m not saying we haven’t been affected by the crisis, but we have been less affected than others because of our more measured approach. In this crisis, the bigger you are, the more you have been hurt.

What changes will take place in the real estate sector as a result of the crisis?

We also need to learn to put aside more time for planning and looking to the future. That maybe the move we need to make going forward. If you talk about the practical lessons the real estate industry have learnt in the UAE, I would mainly say that off-plan selling isn’t going to be a sustainable proposition in the future. We need to get back to the traditional way of selling a property that is ready, or nearly ready, where there is much less risk.

Do you think 2010 will be worse than 2009?

Frankly I think that since the date of crisis, which began around October 2008, things have changed slightly. But I believe we are still at the ‘first corner’ where we are looking for cash, liquidity and finance. There have been a lot of attempts to make the situation better, but it hasn’t improved by all that much.

That’s why I think that 2010 will be a little

In tough times, you have to come up with new ideas and create something. The crisis we’re going through is forcing every single player to be innovative and show initiative.

That approach will work.

bit harder than 2009 – and I am referring to 2010 as ‘the commitment year’. That means that all the commitments that have been given to the individuals, banks and financial institutions have to be fulfilled.

In 2009, a lot of people had sympathy when the buyer couldn’t pay, which meant that waiting times were prolonged and buyers were given three or four chances to pay up. In 2010, that time will be over. You have a commitment? You will need to fulfil it, whether that means taking out a loan or exploring another approach. That’s why next year will be such a challenging one, and a tougher one than 2009.

What steps can the authorities take to solve the non-payment of contractors?

I’m not sure that there’s much that the government can do about this issue. I believe the contractor needs to have one-to-one discussions and settle these issues amicably. If you go to court, it won’t help you. Everyone needs to minimise their losses. I don’t think the government will help, and matters need to be resolved amicably, without involving a third party, if possible. The court process is lengthy and it’s a waste of time.

What advice do you have for companies at The Big 5 as they plan for next year?

In tough times, you have to come up with new ideas and create something. The crisis we’re going through is forcing every single player to be innovative and show initiative. That approach will work.

You have to have unique ideas, as there are no more easy jobs. The last seven years have in many respects been too easy; companies have not needed to put in the effort to make a lot of money, frankly. And that’s the case in every sector. That’s why everyone needs to work hard – and success will only come through creativity. We all need to be smarter – that’s the only way out. 5 BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

51



 Turning Steel Fabrication into  

We handle every aspect of Steel Projects professionally from Start to Finish

   

Tel: +9714-886 2788, Fax: +9714-886 2799 www.steeltek.ae, Email: steeltek@eim.ae P.O.Box 262012, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, U.A.E. 

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

GREEN COMMUNITIES IN THE UAE: FACT OR FICTION? Experts discuss the likelihood of making green communities a widespread reality

By Jeff Roberts

en Visit the Gre 9 Stand in Hall

O

ne day of the recent World Architecture Congress was coined ‘Green Day’ and it witnessed a bevy of architects, developers, engineers and sustainability pundits waxing intellectual about everything related to the region’s growing green building conundrum.

Throughout the day, professionals and practitioners from every corner of the industry addressed ‘community’, construction best practices, energy saving, financing, green legislation and regulation, facilities management, life-cycle costs and new ‘green’ materials and products.

Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group and board member of the UN Global

There is simply an abundance of theory without a serious understanding of the communities that supposedly exist here.

Geoff Sanderson

Compact, began the day with a sobering—albeit refreshingly honest—sentiment.

“A 100% mindset change will be necessary to reduce carbon emissions and encourage best practices industry wide,” said Al Marashi. “Right now, it’s not just political will that is necessary. Leadership should be taken by the private sector, which is one sector [ in the UAE] that is currently lagging far behind.”

As green credentials and bizarre acronyms flittered and fluttered throughout the conference, one interesting session—Delivering Green Communities, Not Just Green Buildings—brought together designers and developers to talk about how to actually deliver the level of greenness being touted for the region.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

53

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Concept of Community

A 100% mindset change will be necessary to reduce carbon emissions and encourage best practices industry wide. It’s not just political will that is necessary. Leadership should be taken by the private sector, which is one sector that is currently lagging far behind.

Habiba al marashi

Geoff Sanderson, Dubai veteran and principal of Green Concepts Landscape Architects (GCLA), began by directing the discussion toward the fundamental concept of community. “Without defining ‘community’,” said Sanderson, “it is impossible to really get to the heart of what constitutes a ‘green community’.”

Sanderson rightly pointed out that many of the speakers, and in fact visitors to Green Day, ply their skills and specify their products in regions other than the Middle East. He criticized the conference’s willingness to apply external experiences in the UAE without truly understanding the nature of the professional design community, the contractor community or the end users that actually live and work here.

“It’s difficult to establish a community [in the UAE] because of the transient nature of society here. If we’re depending on a stable community, we’re struggling,” said Sanderson. “End users [tend to be] largely self interested persons with no concern whatsoever for the UAE’s sustainability beyond their own contract period. Sadly, there are too few people like Habiba Al Marashi to make a big enough difference in the UAE’s green debate.”

Decisions from the top Mike Lewis, senior associate director at Benoy, is of the opinion that change needs to come in the form of clear and universal green legislation. Rather than fight the good fight from the bottom, he sees little point in expending the effort unless the true decision makers are on board.

“My particular concern is the fight during the project brief.

We need a large-scale change in attitude at the decision maker level,” says Lewis. “It’s sad but true. It takes someone to stand up with a torch and say ‘enough’,” says Lewis.

“Decision makers need to make it happen. We have a responsibility to clients to educate them and make recommendations but that’s from the bottom up. I’d love to walk into a briefing and be told ‘We will be doing a LEED Gold building’,” adds Lewis.

Never one to buy in to altruism within the building industry, Sanderson suggests change will only come when legislation dictates that material gain is available for those willing to implement green strategies. “We should devise a system to combine regulation with reward,” says Sanderson. “If rewards were very attractive financially for developers and users, it would create some impetus. Unless that happens soon, I don’t think we’ll see anywhere near the amount of change [in the UAE] that we’re expecting.”

Value of masterplanning Mark Grundy, sustainability & environment manager for Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties PJSC, suggests that sustainability at the community level will only come when master plans are designed with the health of the individual in mind.

“In Mexico City,” explains Grundy, “the average person spends 2.5 hours per day in their car. It stands to reason, then, that the city also has the highest rate of obesity and diabetes in the world. That’s just one illustration of how smart master planning can actually be the frontline of healthcare.”

Sanderson, on the other hand, rejects the idea that the mere presence of buildings begets communities. He uses a Mumbai example to illustrate a strong, vibrant community that thrives without a collective reliance on the build environment.

“In the modern Middle East, there is too much emphasis on buildings, structures and planning,” says Sanderson. “Some of the closest communities in the world are located in the slums of Mumbai. Devising a common inter54

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

est or shared experience throughout the community is what brings it together and creates a bond.”

What cost sustainability?

As it often does during discussions of sustainability, the session moved into an analysis of the financial benefits and detriments of green technology in buildings. One point on which everyone—both speakers and audience alike—agreed is that green technology is generally more expensive initially but when taken over a building’s entire lifecycle, it ends up saving significantly in terms of energy consumption and, therefore, outright cash. Taking the decision to go green is a long-term one and needs to be seen in the context of financial performance over a community’s entire working life.

The financial discussion only got interesting when a woman from the audience asked—given the financial state of the building industry—what methods or techniques there are that could be employed to help achieve sustainability free of charge.

Echoing the popular sentiment that architects alone can single-handedly achieve LEED Silver just through smart design, Lewis pointed out the importance of continuing professional development.

“There are things designers can do that are free but that’s down to education,” says Lewis. “We’ve got to make sure the older architects are using the new tools as well.”

From the perspective of landscaping and public realm space, Sanderson doubts the idea that the onus of education lies solely on architects. “Amongst the design community, very few architects, fewer engineers and even fewer clients, recognise the role of landscape architecture or other site design issues in the sustainable equation.

For Sanderson and landscape architects, the formula is quite simple: “In terms of landscaping, we can reduce the cost of buildings by up to half, just through smarter and more efficient maintenance.”

Grundy quickly brought the conversation back to earth when he reminded everyone that there is a limit to what can be achieved through design. “When you try to really push the envelope; when you try to build something that is really cutting edge or ground-breaking, that’s when the big [technology] costs come in.”

Looking ahead According to Jimmy Grewel, co-founder of UAE-based Pulse Technologies, there is no time like to present to innovate and set new eco-friendly building standards for the region.

“If there’s ever a time to do this, it’s now,” he says. “Everyone around the world is looking at what [the region] has done, what has been finished and what types of projects are going to come next.”

While it’s encouraging that the debate about building green communities is happening, Sanderson is pessimistic about the amount of talk surrounding the issue. Experience tells him that this level of airplay generally sees little or no follow through in the region. “I have attended so many sustainable conferences that I doubt I can cope with another,” he says.

For Sanderson, the issue remains one of fundamental misunderstanding. “There is simply an abundance of theory without a serious understanding of the communities that supposedly exist here.”

Sanderson concludes: “There will always be individuals in any residential area—I avoid the term ‘community’—who express a keenness to support sustainable endeavors. However, unless there is a history and serious community depth and commitment as exists in Europe, Japan, North America and Australia, such sustainable communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are no more than fiction.” 5

•

36.3t (40 USt) Maximum Lifting Capacity

•

38.7 m (127 ft) 5-Section Boom

•

LMAP (Load Moment & Area Protection) System

Gulf Plastic & Converting Industries Factory: Ras Al-Khaima, U.A.E. P.O. Box 30739 Tel: +971 7 2447 128, Fax: +971 7 2447 129 E-mail: info@raktherm.com www.raktherm.com Sales OfďŹ ce: Sharjah Industrial City Phase II Tel: +971 6 5347 614, Fax: +971 6 5347 615

FM LIGHTING

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

REMAIN IN LIGHT Cutting light consumption and therefore energy use is high on the sustainable buildings agenda. But what measures are actually being taken on the ground?

W

hat did we do without mobile phones?’ So go a number of bewildered conversations. Well, empires were built and more recently men landed on the moon. Not bad when you think of the lines communication available. Equally, the conversation could go: ‘What did we do without artificial light?’ Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel and London, earth’s most populous city with nearly a million people living there in 1800, made do with candles, rushlights and torches, and lanterns.

That the modern world needs artificial lighting to function, and only functions 24/7 today because of the lighting technologies available, means the thurst and expectation for light will only increase: reports concerning energy consumption in the UAE last year claimed 25 percent of the Gulf ’s water had been consumed – one fifth of which was used to generate electricity. The report also estimated the UAE would need to find US$10 billion to satisfy energy demand for the next 10 years, due to the amount of ongoing construction.

Focusing on energy consumption and the built environment, research by lighting

manufacturer Osram shows electricity used for indoor lighting accounts for 10 percent of the total electric energy required for buildings. In many facilities, this percentage is even higher.

For example, illumination in an office space of 400 m2 accounts for approximately 40 percent of total energy consumption.

Hot topic “Climate protection and sustainability is a big topic for us,” says Mourad Boulouednine, director of projects, Osram Middle East. “We have set the trend in energy saving lamps and feel a great obligation to play an active role in the migration to energy efficient lighting solutions.

With our sustainability campaign – which we started in 2007 – we want to tell our customers about the fact that climate protection and money saving go hand in hand, throughout the world.”

Energy efficient products already account for 65 percent of Osram’s sales says Boulouednine, which the company intends to increase to 80 per cent by 2016. “It is currently possible, for example, to save up to 80 percent of electricity by using energy-saving lamps, or intelligent T5 fluorescent lamps. On average, more than 90 percent of the environmental relevance of our

“There’s a lot of convoluted and conflicting information surrounding lighting, hindering real progression toward our sustainable goals.”

products relates to their usage. This is more than in any other industry,” he points out.

“Lighting accounts for around 15 per cent of the energy bill in most homes, and around 25 percent in commercial buildings,” says Bastable Lighting Services MD Rod Bastable. “We are UKbased but have an office in Dubai. Just as energy prices have risen dramatically in the West, the Middle East is now experiencing the same with

energy bills increasing by around 60 percent. So the need to implement smart control systems and low energy lighting is pressing, as is attendant lifecycle maintenance.”

The construction industry is targeting lighting as a key element of sustainable design, and there is now a global movement to develop and implement lighting solutions that meet people’s needs and concerns, and address environmental regulations.

With this in mind, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) installed the third-generation version of its green building performance rating and certification system, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), early this year. This latest system results from over four years technical research, reviews of many actual LEED certified projects, and the advisory activities of technical experts.

Control systems and facilities management specific products “We don’t have to do without light,” says Bastable, “it’s about controlling output. Flexible controls to enable zoning and gradation of lighting do just that – to the human eye, the dimming of a light by 10 percent is imperceptible, yet the cost savings are significant.”

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

57

FM LIGHTING

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Life* (hours)

GRAPH SHOWING THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF AN LED WITH RESPECT TO JUNCTION TEMPERATURE OF INSTALLED PRODUCT

The MBTF of Power Flux is based on the formula: Log (Life) =

1600 Tj (C) + 273

Tj (C) *Life means the time when light output decays to 70%

Sophisticated lighting control systems that regulate consumption can lead to significant cost and energy savings. Advanced systems are estimated to reduce lighting energy requirements by 35 to 50 percent in most applications.

“These systems use less energy while continuing to provide the desired lighting level.

They can also reduce peak demand charges by automatically dimming or switching off certain lighting loads during periods of peak electrical demand. Additional savings can be realised through less frequent lamp maintenance and reduced cooling loads. The overall result is a fairly short payback, typically five years or less, and a high rate of return on the investment,” notes Bastable.

Osram has developed specific FM software to enable efficient and cost effective lighting management. “Indeed, Osram light@FM 2.0 software also enables facilities managers to track procurement and maintenance costs online, schedule maintenance and cut downtime, and with data protection in mind, only the FM can download sensitive project and price data,” says Boulouednine.

On the lighting front, Bastable has developed Apollo, a patent pending multiple LED source for fibre optic illumination. “Due to the uniquely designed driver system and optimal cooling techniques, when correctly installed these light sources will operate for between 200,000 and 400,000 hours,” says Bastable.

“This is based on the extension of the graph for Life against Junction Temperature (see graph) and validated by mean time between failures (MTBF) data throughout the LED manufacturing industry.”

Furthermore, the Light source can be mounted directly into the duct-work of AC systems or into the conduits or piped water circulation systems to maximise life and performance.

“Many products widely sold in the industry are already known to be failing, well short of their claimed life, due to excess temperature of the junction in normal operation which the Apollo mounting negates,” says Bastable.

Building envelope An energy audit is defined as an inspection, survey and analysis of energy use in a building, process or system with the objective of understanding the energy dynamics of the system under study.

“A typical energy audit would involve recording various elements of the building envelope including lighting, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows and skylights. The audit will also assess the efficiency, physical condition and programming of mechanical systems such as HVAC and thermostat adjustments,” explains Manohar Raghavan, business development manager, MEA 3M Building and Commercial Services and 3M Construction Markets.

“The energy audit firms typically look at the energy use given local climate criteria, thermostat settings, roof overhang and solar orientation. All the elements in the building envelope system need to be looked at during the audit process if a truly integrated approach to light use and energy consuption is to be achieved,” says Raghavan.

Procurement and FM disconnect “Indeed, these systems have the potential to

“Advanced systems are estimated to reduce lighting energy requirements by 35 to 50 percent in most applications.”

58

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

make a huge impact on carbon emissions.

But, there’s a lot of convoluted and conflicting information surrounding lighting, hindering real progression toward our sustainable goals,” says Bastable.

“In my role as a lighting consultant and designer, a major frustration is the disconnect between procurement and facilities management. Facilities management should ensure the full integration of systems and accurate maintenance schedules throughout the lifecycle of the building, but this is not always the case.

“I have consulted on prestigious developments that have not engaged FM from the design stage; consequently lighting was not integrated with all the other services, which is crucial if you’re serious about energy reduction.”

Cost cutting is also hindering progress on the ground says Bastable. “It’s true that lighting is often the first installation to be compromised should cost suddenly become an issue.

Specification usually goes out of the window.

For example, the price discrepancy between quality transformers and cheaper ones is huge, and often to tempting a saving to resist.

Consequently, the safety implications regard-

ing fire risk are huge, while life span is shorter meaning maintenance costs are higher.”

Future protection It is the simple things like turning lights off, using dimmers and timing switches that we can all do help to make lighting more environmentally friendly. The technological solutions have to be part of the envelop system and, in turn, FM has to be involved at the start of the process if the much talked about commitment to cut emissions is to come to fruition and secure the future for generations to come. 5

90 If everyone in the US used energy-efficient lighting, we could retire 90 average size power plants

LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY WHAT’S IN USE Sunlight Transportation Systems An emerging new technology is that of sunlight transportation. Natural sunlight is collected on roof panels and transported into a building via fibre optic cables for distances up to 15 metres. These sunlight-piping systems can be used in combination with solar panels to integrate natural and artificial light systems.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) LEDs are small, solid light bulbs that are lit by the movement of electrons in a solid semi-conductor material as electricity is passed through it. LEDs are extremely energy efficient, lasting over 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs, and up to 10 times longer than CFLs. They have low heat generation, low power requirements.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) These are small versions of full fluorescent lights,

and consist of a glass tube coated with phosphor, filled with gas and a small amount of mercury. CFLs give off the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs, but they are up to 80% cooler, are four times more energy efficient, last 10 times longer (up to 20,000 hours), and are responsible for the emission of 70 per cent less carbon dioxide.

Halogen Halogen bulbs have a small pocket of halogen gas that reacts with tungsten to produce light. They burn brighter, use less electricity and last twice as long as a standard bulb, but are still inefficient compared with other forms of bulbs.

Incandescent Standard light bulbs, known as incandescent bulbs, are known to be highly inefficient.

Electricity is passed through a metal (tungsten) filament that heats to over 2000º Celsius and glows to give off light. Only 10 percent of the electrical energy is converted to light – 90 percent is wasted as heat.

Give your project manager one less thing to worry about.

With one interface, manage your crane, hoists and formworks requirements.

Tower Cranes and Hoists HTC Plant Middle East offer the complete tower crane and hoist package tailored to any customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs from sites that require the simplest of schemes to projects requiring a fully engineered and complex solution.

Setting the Standards in Slipform Construction Slipform Middle East provides specialist equipment and expertise to carry out slipform construction. Slipforming is the fastest method of constructing tall or repetitive structures, saving cost and time.

Slipform Middle East LLC/HTC Plant Middle East P.O. Box 49042, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 435 5779 Fax:+971 4 423 4924 For all your Crane and Hoist requirements: Contact: Mr. Steven Bullock Steven.Bulloch@htcplant.com

www.htcplant.com/ME

For all your Slipform requirements: Contact: Mr. Bob Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Riordan Bob@slipform.ae

www.slipform.ae

DESIGN GLASS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

LIVING IN A GLASS HOUSE Examining the who, what, why and how much of glass in architecture

By Jeff Roberts

A

rchitecture is about creating space. Whether its space to live, work or play, architects design structures to be experienced. To remove the experiential element from a structure is to render it a sculpture rather than a piece of architecture. Few materials are as directly responsible for influencing the way in which users experience a structure than the glass used in its facade. Whether its intent is form or function – and especially if it’s being combined with cutting-edge technology – the versatility of glass is unparalleled. But none of this is new information.

There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that says: “You want your horse to look good, but you also don’t want him to have to eat grass.” In an architectural context, this simply means that a pretty building may look nice, but a building that functions efficiently is equally important.

While state-of-the-art materials, including glass, may be more expensive initially, contractors, developers and value engineers would do well to approve those higher glass budgets, especially if they want a building that considers the comfort of its users.

CW Big 5 Daily caught up with building

professionals around the world to talk about the importance of using the ‘right’ glass for the right project in the Gulf.

Who’s making the decision?

Richard Wagner, architect at dxb lab and former vice president of the Architecture Association of the UAE (aaUAE), describes an ideal scenario. “In an ideal nutshell, the architect specifies the type of glass, the engineer verifies that choice, the contractor builds it, and the developer sells a quality project as desired by the clients.”

It doesn’t take an astrophysicist to know that in Gulf architecture, things don’t often work that way. In a region where quality can quickly be supplanted by quantity, architects often struggle with contractors and value engineers convincing clients that using a less advanced product will have little influence on how the building looks or performs.

Thom Bohlen, (AIA, NCARB) chief technical officer at the Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development (MECSD), understands the importance of consulting with qualified professionals when considering glass.

“Architects normally specify glazing for their buildings, but typically they get input from

structural engineers, glazing contractors, glazing suppliers and, of course, from the green building consultant,” says Bohlen. “The appropriateness of the U-values of the system, transmittance factors and shading coefficients can all greatly affect energy consumption in buildings.”

All too often, however, developers or contractors in the Gulf decide on a type of glass or facade system depending on budget or preference of origin. Specialty engineers are consulted only in the most complex scenarios and architects are left voiceless in the great debate about money.

How important is the ‘right’ glass for the right project?

Matching the glass system with the style of the building and the context in which it sits is extremely important. The quality of the glass, in terms of structural/physical/thermal properties, is paramount to achieving a building that looks and functions properly.

“Especially in hot regions like the Gulf, the energy performance and comfort levels of a building clothed in glass are totally dominated by the choice of glass,” explains James Law, chairman and founder of Hong Kong-based James Law Cybertecture International (JLCI).

Especially in hot regions like the Gulf, the energy performance and comfort levels of a building clothed in glass are totally dominated by the choice of glass.

James Law

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

61

DESIGN GLASS Having designed several projects for the Middle East and India – and employing a highly futuristic brand of architecture that melds the form and function of a building with cuttingedge technology – using glass that does what it promises is crucial for JLCI. “Using the wrong glass can have disastrous outcomes, including making the building inefficient and unpleasant as well as using unnecessary levels of energy to keep occupants cool,” adds Law. Because glass can range from fully transparent to fully opaque or reflective, and can be specified in virtually any tint or colour, aesthetics is less of an initial concern than function.

As Kareem Negm, LEED AP and architect at Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners), points out, ‘function’ in the Middle East means more than just energy-efficiency.

Of course, double glazed, low-U glass should be specified externally to reduce solar gain but because of religious and cultural privacy issues, residential projects will almost always opt for fully reflective or very dark tints, regardless of efficiency levels of the glass. Internally, however, aesthetics take priority.

“Fritted glass for shower enclosures can be used in hotel room to deliver light and maintain privacy,” explains Negm. “For commercial applications, sandblasted logos and engravings enhance branding and corporate identity.”

Wagner agrees that the choice of glass is important where aesthetics are concerned, but given the architectural trend of using massive curtain walling in the UAE, the environmental and climatological aspects of glass cannot be ignored and the building standards need to follow suit.

“Standards for thermal insulation of building envelopes – which includes glass – are far too tolerant given the harsh summer climate we endure,” explains Wagner. “This allows for many loopholes during the construction process and ultimately can cause buyers and operators horrendous long-term running costs.”

Is glass a liability in Gulf architecture?

In the more moderate climates of Europe, North America and parts of Asia, glass can be an extremely versatile material that can simultaneously addresses efficiency and design challenges. But, climates in the Gulf are harsher; they require materials that function at higher levels and, therefore, require careful consideration during design and specification.

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Chad Oppenheim, founder and principal of Miami-based Oppenheim Architecture + Design, often says: “Building glass refrigerators in the desert doesn’t make a lot of sense.” His logic is doubly poignant given his experience working in a solar-heavy climates and the number of projects OA+D has completed in Miami.

So, the obvious question remains, is glass a liability in the Gulf? The architects, engineers and LEED APs interviewed for this article suggest it just might be.

“I think any material can be a ‘liability’ if used improperly or unwisely, or where all considerations in the use of that material are not considered,” says Bohlen. “Well if you look at it from an environmental point of view then yes. We’re creating glass boxes that are heat magnets. They look nice but often trap the heat inside and thus cost a lot of money to cool.

This cooling process harms the environment in a tremendous way,” agrees Negm.

Wagner takes the argument a step further to suggest that the ‘liability’ aspect of glass doesn’t rest wholly with the material itself.

“There is always an element of liability in glass, no matter where you are located,” he explains.

“The reason that there appears to be a lack of versatility in this market can be largely attributed to the fact that the local manufacturing industry has not developed a diverse and feasible enough repertoire, which in return has hampered construction of avant-garde designs.... At the same time we have to consider the environmental aspect of shipping tonnes of products halfway around the globe, which adds another great liability,” adds Wagner.

Japan is one of the largest consumers of solar glass solutions.

Image: Scheuten

The final word It seems clear that the key to using glass correctly and responsibly lies in the ability of architects, contractors, developers and engineers to be collectively mindful of its climatic challenges and specify the product in conscientious ways.

“Just like any where else, glass can be a versatile material in the Middle East, but it must be used in conjunction with the correct application and specification to meet the specific requirements of the region,” Bohlen insists. “The [challenges] include high heat and humidity, blowing sand particulates and plenty of solar gain. Anytime you can avoid the sun’s rays from directly striking the glass you have gone a long way towards making the facade and interior more efficient.” 5

In an ideal nutshell, the architect specifies the type of glass, the engineer verifies that choice, the contractor builds it, and the developer sells a quality project as desired by the clients.

Richard Wagner Germany has set the standard throughout Europe in harnessing solar energy.

62

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

ECOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY COMBINE TO GIVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT HALL 7, STAND 305 • Environmentally sound in it’s manufacturing, usage and eventual disposal • Totally free from CFC and HCFC • 66% recycling glass content

Ref: Abu Dhabi Officer’s Club (pictured under construction)

THERMAL INSULATION WITH SEAM ROOF FINISH

FOAMGLAS®

Ref: Social Service Department, Stuttgart, Germany

THERMAL INSULATION FOR ROOF GARDEN

FOAMGLAS®

Ref: BMW factory, Regensburg Germany

ROOF INSULATION FOR FACTORY

FOAMGLAS®

Ref (also main image): Islamic Museum of Modern Art, Doha

ROOF INSULATION FOR TERRACE

FOAMGLAS®

PITTSBURGH CORNING Europe (Rep Middle East) Arenco Tower, Media City, P.O. Box 213345, Dubai, UAE TEL +971 (0)4 434 7140 FAX +971 (0)4 432 7109 EMAIL info@foamglas.ae WEB www.foamglas.ae

Your partner for a greener future

T O TA L

S O L U T I O N S

hot water free from the sun

F O R

Y O U R

EXPRESS by HOLIDAY INN (Al Wasl, Dubai) – 6500J Commercial System – 12,500 Litres/day

H O T

&

C O L D

W AT E R

N E E D S

EXPRESS by HOLIDAY INN (Al Garhoud, Dubai) – 6500J Commercial System – 15,000 Litres/day

Largest Known Hot Water Installation 84 nos. of Commercial System @ 700,000 Litres/day

ALBA Bahrain – Commercial System – 4,000 Litres/day

Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi) – Labour Accommodation for 20,000 personnel

Residential Solar Hot Water Systems (Capacity - 150/180/220/300/440-Litres)

High Capacity Heat Pumps – 3kW to 1,300kW Air to Water & Water to Water.

www.solahart.com

Commercial Solar Hot Water Systems (Capacities – 1000/1500/3500/5000/7000-Litres)

SOLAHART Commercial Drain-Back System: The only system that prevents overheating during the summer and heat loss during the night.

SOLARHART Residential Thermo-siphon System: The Closed-Circuit Systems are equipped with overheating protection.

Residential & Commercial Solar Water Heaters

High Capacity Heat Pumps

High Capacity Boilers & Steam Generators

Premium Heat Transfer Solutions

Photo-Voltaic Systems

Swimming Pool Heat Pumps

Tel: +971-4-298-4141 Fax: +971-4-298-5598 P.O.Box: 83021 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: ecoval@eim.ae Website: www.ecovalme.com (Visit our Showroom – Shop No., Al Bannal Building, next to Mister Bakers, Opp. NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda)

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

INFRASTRUCTURE CABLES

INVISIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE From power supply to telecoms, cables and cabling constitute the ‘invisible infrastructure’ that holds buildings together. We spoke to a range of players about this vital sector.

By Gerhard Hope

C

abling plays a hidden role in all our lives. Buried underground and sealed behind plaster board, cables of all kinds provide the power and connectivity that has become an absolute necessity. Any modern city’s infrastructure is expected to be infallible, placing added importance on the quality of all cabling, whether low, medium or high voltage.

One of the most important ingredients in producing quality is experience. An independent Swiss family business, R&M has garnered an impressive 40 years’ experience in the information and communication technology market. Its main focus area is the development and manufacture of future-oriented passive structured cabling solutions for communications networks.

Outstanding products in the copper and fibreoptic domain have won R&M a reputation as a leader in quality that always provides added value. R&M solutions set standards for modularity as well as convenience of installation and maintenance. The company enjoys market leadership in Switzerland, and is present in 16 additional countries, with their own subsidiaries and agencies.

R&M’s regional headquarters is located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, while it has offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan. Jean-Pierre Labry is the newly-appointed MD of the Middle East operation, while Andrew Sedman is the technical director.

Labry’s key responsibility is nurturing the company’s growth in the MENA region.

He brings strong domestic experience and local market knowledge to R&M, having worked in the region for over 12 years, and closely with R&M for the past eight years. He worked for 11 years with a reputable electro-mechanical with a workforce of 3 500. In addition, Labry was the quality, health, safety and environment (QHSE) manager. In 2001, he

oversaw the launch of an IT infrastructure division specialising in passive installation. It was not long before this became one of the leading installer/IT system integrators in the UAE, with a workforce of 250.

In terms of R&M’s impact on the Middle East market to date, the company saw a 63.4% increase in growth in 2008. Generating 78% of its sales abroad, R&M has emerged as one of the top three players in Europe and the Middle East, reports Labry. Total sales for 2008 increased 2.2% over 2007 to $219 million, reflecting the impact of the global financial crisis after a strong growth phase.

Two thirds of total sales were recorded in the structured building cabling (private network) segment, while growth in the telecoms segment was

R&M Middle East MD Jean-Pierre Labry.

largely attributable to major fibre-optic projects.

Indeed, fibre-optic technology has emerged as a focal point of investment, with R&M planning to boost its development of new fibre-optic solutions by 10% in 2009. In bolstering its claim of being an innovation leader, Labry points out that 20% of total sales are achieved with products less than three years old.

Labry also reveals that the company is continuing to decentralise from its traditional Switzerland home base. “The first management and logistics hub opened recently in Singapore. This initial development will be followed over the next two years by four hubs in other regions. These hubs will allow the R&M sales regions to provide their customers with even better logistics services.” Sedman’s role as technical director entails looking after project implementation and processing of the QPP training programme for distributors, which will ensure high standards and customisation to meet local customer needs.

Sedman will also be in charge of maintaining superior technical support standards for sales activities across the region. He has over 19 years’ experience in the telecoms cabling sector, together with an extensive background in project management in the field of structured cabling.

Labry tells MEP Middle East that the company’s impressive growth to date has given it a strong base from which to pursue regional expansion. “We are taking advantage of the current opportunities by sourcing the skills we need to consolidate our growth.” Indeed, R&M is one of the few companies recruiting actively at present, as it takes advantage of current trends such as the global move to fibre-optic networks, which Dubai and the rest of the UAE are only just embarking upon.

Apart from its QPP programme for distributors, R&M also has a training academy that disseminates technical information on the latest innovations.

“Our involvement on the distributor side ensures BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

65

INFRASTRUCTURE CABLES excellence in the execution of our systems, while the training academy is our way of giving back to the industry itself so that it can benchmark itself against the latest international developments,” says Labry.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY The issue of electrical safety is an inevitable corollary of cables and cabling. Electrical safety is a major concern in construction, operation and maintenance, process design, electrical safety services, risk management, workplace safety and regulations and standards. A key player in this ancillary sector is Duval Messien, represented by Manav Enterprise Middle East FZCO. Technical director Sonjib Banerjee says this French multinational has very old roots, stemming from 1835, when Paul Duval pioneered the manufacture of braided flexible cables, and 1927, when Georges Messien focused on earthing systems.

It might seem strange to consider lightning strikes as a potential hazard in the UAE, but Banerjee points out that Burj Dubai – where the company’s thirdgeneration Satelit 3 lightning protection system has been deployed – points to the phenomenon of ‘vertical cities’ in the region. These have huge electrical loads concentrated on relatively small footprints.

In terms of earthing systems, Duval Messien’s flagship in this regard is known as TEREC+, described as a ‘miracle compound’ comprising seven different chemicals. The product quickly achieves a resistance level in accordance with internationally acceptable standards, while its ongoing interaction with the native soil actually increases its effectiveness over time. Maintenance-free and environment-friendly, TEREC+ protects electrical and electronic equipment from ground faults, which are a major cause of electrical damage in the UAE, says Banerjee.

Banerjee also reveals that when TEREC+ achieves an uptake in the UAE of about 1 000 bags a day, Duval Messien is likely to establish a local mixing plant to meet the heightened demand, with the main chemical ingredients imported from France.

Another service that Duval Messien offers to the local industry is a fully-equipped technical library, including the latest standards and regulations, that MEP engineers can visit.

Duval Messien technical director Sonjib Banerjee.

66

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

FIRE PERFORMANCE Middle East GM Graeme Aittis explains the reasoning behind establishing a local branch of this UK-based manufacturer: “We had reached the point where we felt we really needed someone on the ground here.

“We have been active in the region for many years, trading through local distributors. However, to take the business to the next level, we needed to establish a presence. So this is a logical first step.

“We believe the Middle East is important, and it helps everyone for us to be nearer to our customers in areas like this,” says Aittis.

“We are meeting a demand for on-the-ground service in the Middle East, and we firmly believe in offering the highest level of support to all of our customers. This is augmented by our full technical and sales resources.”

One of the oldest cable companies in the world, AEI Cables features a diverse range of products, running the gamut from domestic building wires to armoured cables.

“The one area I would say we are most recognised in this region is fire-performance cables for the general construction industry, used for fire alarm and emergency lighting systems, for example.” AEI is an

AEI Cables Middle East GM Graeme Aittis.

“We believe there are many opportunities built on innovation and quality, which has been the byword of the AEI Cables brand for more than 100 years, and for which we are known across the industry.”

In terms of current opportunities and the impact of the economic slowdown, Aittis comments as follows: “We recognise that certain sectors will recover quicker than others, and we appreciate there are many other hidden factors in the recovery process.

110 000 cubic tonnes LOW AND MEDIUM VOLTAGE CABLE CAPACITY OF LOCAL MANUFACTURER DUCAB acknowledged leader in this area, and continues to satisfy wiring applications in addressable alarm systems.

Fire-performance cables are high-end, highgrade products, with the company complying with international standards such as BASEC 9001, BASEC BA 2250 and LPCB 9001. Aittis comments that an increasing requirement locally is for civil defense approval, especially in terms of fire protection, and AEI Cables is able to meet this additional requirement as well. “If you look at the fire-performance cables, we have BASEC and LPBC rating, which people recognise here.

“The next question is: are you civil defense approved?

So you really have to have this extra approval to be able to sell such products into this market, and this requirement is actually becoming stronger.”

What about the impact of ‘green’ building standards and regulations on the demand for high-performance cable products? “I would say it is starting to have an effect in terms of a shift towards low-smoke variations of cable products rather than the traditional PVC-based ones.”

AEI Cables in the UK is a member of the British Cablemakers’ Association (BCA), and thus is part of a global campaign to rid the market of fake or imitation cable products that compromise health and safety.

“Any poor-quality cable is of concern to us. As a member of BCA we have been producing cables to British and international standards for many years, and we believe that these independent recipes give customers confidence that our cables are manufactured to a published standard.

“Any deviation from this quality in the form of rogue suppliers trying to reduce cost is a major concern from a health and safety aspect, where the use of undersized conductors could have fatal repercussions.

“The Middle East remains a strategically important centre for the world, and therefore we anticipate a quicker recovery than in Europe.”

LOCAL INDUSTRY This leading manufacturer of high-quality power cables in the Middle East, and winner of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Excellence Award for its achievements in the manufacturing sector, has been voted as a ‘Superbrand’ for the year 2009.

Ducab was among over 3 000 UAE-based companies to receive this award, which recognises outstanding qualities identified with a particular brand name.

From a humble beginning in 1979 to a regional giant with 100% local holding, Ducab has established a region-wide reputation as a supplier of quality power cable solutions. Owned jointly by the governments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ducab boasts one of the most modern manufacturing facilities in the region, producing over 110 000 cubic copper tonnes equivalent of low- and medium-voltage cables.

The latest developments in terms of the cable giant have been media reports that it plans to set up a plant in Qatar, its first outside the UAE, by as early as next year.

MD Andrew Shaw reveals that Ducab has already progressed in this regard, as it is already in possession of a manufacturing licence for Qatar, meaning that establishing a presence there would be a logical next step.

This would place Ducab in closer reach of raw materials, and position it to grab a larger piece of the GCC pie in terms of the growing demand for cables for the region’s burgeoning infrastructure sector.

YOUR PARTNER IN CONCRETING THE FUTURE AND MORE...

Committed to satisfy the concrete industry requirements with consistent quality, competitive price and on time delivery of readymix concrete.

PO Box 171929, Jebel Ali, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 880 3534 / 880 3553 Fax: +971 4 880 3226 Email: grm@goldenreadymix.com Web: www.goldenreadymix.com

Operating in Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

BOILERS & WATERHEATERS

ON THE BOIL We look at some of the latest technological trends and developments on the international boiler and water heater front

By Gerhard Hope

B

oiler manufacturers are looking at reducing harmful emissions, as well as reducing energy costs for end users by increasing efficiencies, or even looking at new fuel types.

Fulton of the US was recently awarded a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop an ultra-high efficiency condensing natural gas/B-100 biodiesel-fired version of its Vantage boiler.

“We see biofuels as a premiere energy source people for the future if, in fact, petroleum type fuels are no longer available or become expensive or difficult to obtain,” says Fulton Heating Solutions Inc. commercial heating product manager Erin Sperry.

SULPHUR-FREE FUEL The biodiesel-fired version of the Vantage boiler will take advantage of the unique features of sulphur-free fuel, while achieving ultrahigh efficiencies. Such an innovation stands to fill an important technological niche in the boiler market. While gas-fired condensing boilers can provide efficiencies over 89 AFUE, most conventional oil-fired boilers are limited to operating at lower efficiencies due to the corrosive nature of the sulphur content of the fuels. Unlike most fuel oils, biodiesel, which is derived from vegetable oil, is nontoxic, biodegradable, sulphur-free and, when burned, releases less harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

into heating systems with less effort and with more control, says marketing director Stirling Boston.

The modulating condensing design is housed in a compact footprint that features multiple venting options for greater installation flexibility and ease of maintenance.

These improved control strategies are not only user-friendly, but they also help combat real-world scenarios such as part load heating days, energy saving pumping and piping strategies, system oversizing and limitations in technology for maintaining the heating system at low loads.

“Due to these variables we are sometimes not able to operate a complete heating system at efficiencies as high as is desired.

However, we will continue to introduce new technologies and controls designed to provide higher realised system efficiencies,” explains Boston.

£200 THE INCENTIVE PER BOILER FOR REHEAT BRITAIN’S BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

COMBUSTION PROCESS “There are no commercial-size boilers on the market that can condense on No. 2 oil because of the sulphuric acid production associated with the combustion process,” says Sperry. “If it is not possible to produce flue gas condensate, it is not possible to get the highest efficiencies from operating the boilers.

The ability to condense on an oil that would not result in sulphuric acid production leads to being able to have ultra-high-efficiency condensing boilers with more than just gas-fired options.” The ultrahigh efficiency boiler will be beta-tested towards the end of 2009. If all goes according to plan, the three million Btu version should be available in 2010.

Lochinvar’s Sync boiler features smart-touch control with a touchscreen user interface. This allows contractors to integrate boilers

R&M Middle East MD Jean-Pierre Labry.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

69

BOILERS & WATERHEATERS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Bryan Steam recently introduced its Triple-Flex ultra high efficiency condensing boiler, which uses a variable speed motor/ blower for precise control and energy savings. This US manufacturer is also researching and developing the latest in control technologies to deploy in the market. “We have seen a steady increase in the use of PID control technology for more accurate control of the boiler for precise output to the heating/process load.

“The use of various protocols for communications with the BMS is a continual challenge as the industry works to find a common standard,” comments national sales and marketing manager Ronald Guth.

“We are also using the Honeywell Sola hydronic control to manage the boiler while interfacing with the BMS to change the water supply temperature as needed in order to reduce the loads on the system pumps and chillers, for example.”

Since the Triple-Flex boiler is not temperature dependent, it also provides ultra high efficiencies. Most condensing boilers can achieve efficiencies in the 95% to 98% range when operated with cool return water of 80°F at low firing rates. However, these are not real-world operating conditions. When these same boilers are fired at maximum rate with nominal 160° return water and 180° supply, efficiencies are closer to 86% to 87%.

Increased efficiencies lie at the heart on boiler innovation.

A LESSON FOR THE UAE? A lot of the technical innovation on the boiler and water heater front is related to increased efficiencies and reduced emissions. But what about existing units? Perhaps Dubai, where ‘green’ building is gaining momentum, can take a leaf from the UK, which has introduced an innovative scheme to replace older boilers with the latest technology.

Plumbers’ merchant Mick Williams of the UK has started a campaign called ‘Reheat Britain’. It states that, by replacing that country’s old, inefficient gas boilers, it would be possible to achieve a major environmental benefit, and at the same time generate employment and stimulate economic activity.

According to the Energy Saving Trust of the UK, boilers account for about 60% of the carbon dioxide emissions from a gas-heated home. By replacing a G-rated boiler with a new A-rated condensing alternative with better controls, household bills can be cut by up to a quarter. In an average UK family home, that could mean a saving of £235 a year. Reducing gas consumption reduces carbon dioxide emissions at the same rate. Thus a house that swaps a G-rated boiler for an A-rated alternative could also reduce its carbon footprint by as much as 15%.

Stiebel Eltron Represented regionally by Gerabic General Trading LLC, Stiebel Eltron is the largest manufacturer of water heaters in Germany.

Most instantaneous water heaters are pressure-type units with pressure-resistant copper or plastic tanks of 1000 kPa (10 bar) pressure rating for a centrally-installed hot water supply, which can supply multiple outlet points depending on the amount of warm water, determined by the size of the element in kilowatts.

These compact units have a large element so that the water can be heated instantly and continuously.

Stiebel Eltron manufactures two main types, namely electronically and hydraulically controlled units.

Website: www.stiebel-altron.de

70

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Initially, there will be a carbon cost in making and fitting new boilers. However, for an energy-using appliance like a boiler, the proportion of manufacturing emissions – compared with emissions from fuel used during its working life – is no more than a few per cent, and savings are immediate.

The scheme could generate a new niche market for plumbers and engineers to tap into. In the UAE, energy efficiency in the MEP sector falls largely on the HVAC side, but boilers and water heaters are critical, as such equipment is a major consumer of energy. Companies specialising in boiler optimisation also stand to benefit. 5

400 THOUSAND THE APPROXIMATELY 400 000 BOILERS IN THE US CONSUME 33 QUADRILLION BTU, ABOUT 25% OF THE WORLD’S ENERGY, A YEAR.

Boiler Skid mounted units Hygienic hot water

BURJ TOWER, DUBAI _ Armani Hotel, residences, offices 71000 litres/hour hygienic hot water at 60 °C _ Gas condensing boilers & skid mounted heat exchanger packages, 11x 300 kW

Electric

Hot water & steam systems Energy & space saving

SHERATON HOTEL, HONG KONG

_ 782 rooms, ballrooms & meeting spaces, restaurants & lounges, cafes & bars _ Electric hot water system 800 kW, 4x 2500 litres _ Heat pumps, 4x 350 kW _ Electric steam boilers, 2x 1800 kg/h, 10 bar

_ 249 rooms & 93 villas, 39000 litres/hour hygienic hot water at 60 °C _ Steam boilers, 3x 4000 kg/h, 11 bar _ Stainless steel high capacity water heaters, 6x 450 kW, 6600 litres/hour at 60 °C

GRAND HYATT HOTEL, DOHA

Specification support Compact design

Steam

www.ecotherm.com

_ 6 buildings, each with 156 apartments, 10000 litres/hour hygienic hot water at 60 °C _ 200 m² solar panel area, solar gain 80 % _ Gas condensing boilers for back-up heating 2x 80 kW _ Stainless steel calorifiers, 3x 4000 litres

SHORELINE APARTMENTS, DUBAI

Leading-edge construction High-quality stainless steel

Solar

Turnkey Hot Water & Steam Systems

Visit us in Dubai Big 5 Show 2009 Hall 3 Booth 3 B 111

designed, engineered, and ďŹ tted ... without compromise November 2006: United Arab Emirates Federal Government passed the UAE Disability Act (Federal Law No.29/2006) to protect the rights of people with disabilities and special needs. It is estimated that in the MENA region there are approximately thirty (30) million people with special needs. Providing accessibility to this significant percent of the population is not only a social and moral obligation it offers a huge retail business opportunity.

Building designers, construction companies, building owners and managers must ensure that adequate disabled access is provided and properly maintained. Platform lifts are ideally suited for offices, shops restaurants, factories, hotels, schools and any other public access buildings. They can be customized to meet special requirements and provide a practical and low cost solution when disable access needs to be added to an existing building.

Stairlift: its various models are fully automatic with electronically controlled platforms & barrier arms. The platform & arms neatly fold away on a smooth operating rail when not in use, leaving the maximum width of the stairway for pedestrians, creating the ideal low-rise solution.

e-type platform lift: is formed of two stylish platform lifts capable of travelling a maximum of 1m. This low rise lift blends in and can be easily installed into any environment.

a-type platform lift: a favourite among architects and engineers, fits well into all types of environment & has a maximum travel of 12 metres and 5 stops.

HEATH DONNELLY, Managing Director P.O.Box 111833, Dubai, U.A.E

DUBAI Tel: +971 04 422 6457 / Fax: +971 04 368 4587

ABU DHABI Tel: +971 02 635 0031 / Fax: +971 02 365 0064 EMAIL: andrew.cain@platformliftcompany.com WEB: www.platformliftcompany.com

MEP HVAC

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

CLIENTS STILL CALLING FOR QUALITY MEP and HVAC buyers are refusing to look for rock bottom prices

By Matt Warnock

I

n spite of a global slowdown that has forced many in the construction and development industries to look for the lowest price options, the manufacturers and suppliers of HVAC and MEP solutions have claimed that developers and specifiers are not cutting corners on price.

And, speaking at this year’s Big 5 exhibition, companies specialising in these fields have also claimed that the slight tightening of buyers’ budgets has, in fact, led to a better and more competitive sector.

“There is certainly still a big market here in the Middle East and while it may not be as huge as it was a year ago, we do feel it’s starting to grow again,” said Peter Klyver, marketing director for the Swedish Ostberg Group, which is dedicated to energy efficient ventilation systems.

“Our main clients are hotels and this is the place to be for hotels,” Klyver added.

“They’re not looking for the cheapest solutions but actually the right balance between quality and price. We’re a Swedish company and

Peter Klyver of Ostberg Group.

with that comes a certain reputation for quality – we’re not the cheapest but we’re certainly not the highest price either.”

Western Airducts’ Tom Prideaux-Brune agreed that the search for the right price was not exactly destroying the industry.

“Our company manufactures grilles, diffusers and delivers air quality engineering. To be honest, many of these products are very similar across the board and, therefore, you do see a lot of clients looking only at the bottom line.”

However, according to Western Airducts, this had led to a push towards better levels of service. “Manufacturing has become a service industry, and we’ve been conscious of that in the UK and are now applying those principles here.”

The Chinese company Gree manufactures air conditioning solutions, chillers and fan coil units and currently boasts a global network of 20,000 distributors, while producing more than 27 million units per year, enjoying a 46% market share in AC in China.

“We’ve been doing good business in retail and wholesale but, of course, we’ve also witnessed a decline in construction over the past year,” explained vice general manager of overseas sales Larry Lam. “We actually see the current market as a great opportunity for Gree to grow its business. What developers are actually looking for is a costeffective solution at an attractive price and we certainly think we can compete on quality.”

Zakir Ahmed, the general manager of NIA Limited, which supplies Gree’s products in the region, added: “A few years ago, property prices were booming and nobody was bothered about price; all they were bothered about was delivery and execution. Now, developers and clients need a more realistic price solution.”

Gree’s Larry Lam and Zakir Ahmed of NIA at their stand.

Maxell Trading [1E11] is a UAE-based company that has been supplying the HVAC market for the past eight years.

Sales executive CS Rathish said: “This market is currently ruled by prices and competition.

Some big projects and high profile smaller ones too, still demand quality, but others often want rock bottom prices.

“There are some cases where there’s a genuine cheaper alternative but, in others, a handful of contractors are unfortunately willing to compromise quality for price.”

However, Rathish is quick to point out that the view of the market is far from a negative one.

“We feel that it has been a little tough to attract business in the past few months but, that said, we’ve already gone past our target for this year.

“The next six months into 2010 could be fairly difficult, but then we’re confident that we will see the market come back strong.”

So why are some companies reveling in

current economic conditions while others are struggling to make ends meet and slashing jobs every few months?

“It’s about the structure of a company. Big companies have huge marketing budgets, big distribution costs; Gree is very lean. The product may cost the same to manufacture but delivery costs less, there’s hardly any HQ overheads,” explained NIA Limited’s Ahmed.

The one certainty is that HVAC specialists still see the Middle East as an essential market.

“This is our first time here and, the architecture and finish is amazing – it’s like the F1 of construction,” said Western Airducts’ Scott Lintern.

“In terms of the air quality engineering side of the business, we’re getting a feel for the market and trying to network. As health and safety regulations come in here, we feel we can play our part with 30 years’ experience manufacturing according to UK regulations.” 5

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

73

EXHIBITOR Q&A

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

SPEAKING FRENCH Two French companies talk to CW about their journey to the Middle East Ubi France 4C152

Ubi France 4C152

What attracted your company to come to the Middle East?

What attracted your company to come to the Middle East?

For us it is a new market and a new opportunity. Our main market is Europe but we also offer our products in the US, South Africa and New Zealand so we believe that we can also sell our product here in the Gulf. We have been coming to Dubai every month this year and we have also visited Qatar and Bahrain.

We are in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning industry so the Middle East is a huge market for us because air conditioning here is not a luxury, it is vital. Even the poorest man in his small apartment needs air conditioning.

Where in the Middle East are you based?

We are currently setting up a branch in Ras Al Khamiah Free Trade Zone. We have received our trade license.

Will the new proposed ownership laws effect your business decisions?

The law could give us more freedom, but we will see how things go. We have been trying to find the best way to set up our business here but there are so many different possibilities. We have a product that is of very high quality and is not sold in the UAE so we need to do the marketing ourselves. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we decided to set up our business in a free zone.

We have full ownership and it seemed like the right option for us at the time.

What products do you offer?

We offer high quality plywood for many different applications including outdoor joinery works and for door manufacturing. We also have fire retardant plywood, which can be used for public buildings. It is very versatile and can be used for many different projects.

We manufacturer doors, which have an aluminium sheet in the centre. This makes it fire retardant. We are doing tests on this product at the moment.

Joubert Plywood General manager Michael Geoffroy.

What Middle East projects are you currently working on?

We are looking to work within shopping malls. We have products like Joubert paint, which is very easy to implement into any project. We definitely want to do lots of work with architects, consultants to introduce our products to them and into new projects.

Which Middle Eastern country is leading the way, in your opinion?

There are still projects going on in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi. I think things in Qatar are booming and I have met some people from Kuwait who say that the economy is still going strong.

Saudi Arabia and Oman are also showing signs of growth. We are looking to employ people so we can cover the whole of the Gulf.

We have full ownership and it seemed like the right option for us.

Where in the Middle East are you based?

We are based in Abu Dhabi and we have a branch in the north of Syria to cover the northern countries in the Middle East. Lebanon, Syria and Iraq all have similar temperatures to the Gulf.

Will the new proposed ownership laws effect your business future decisions?

It will be beneficial to us because it will give us 100% ownership. At the moment our branch is only a representative office and we have a sponsor. We are not based in a free zone. It was important for us to have a reputable office in the UAE. For me, the free zone is only suitable for warehouses. A sales office needs to be in a tower. I have no interest to relocate my company into a free zone.

What products do you offer?

We are a district cooling provider. We have ice storage, which is a flexible solution for the management of important energy needs.

It enables a significant reduction in installed chiller capacity (up to 70%), the use of low tariff electricity for running cost savings. We also have heat exchangers, which enable the transfer of water from the base of a building to the top. The pumps consume less energy thanks to a very low pressure drop. In addition we

Ciat Middle East Area sales manager Mahidine Ait.

have fan coil units, which are the visible components of central air conditioning.

What Middle East projects are you currently working on?

We are hoping to work on Jabal Omar in Saudi Arabia, which is a Saudi Oger project.

We are trying to sell 15,000 units there. The contract will be awarded in 2010. We are also working on Hamad Medical City in Qatar.

Which Middle Eastern country is leading the way, in your opinion?

For me it is Saudi Arabia. It has not been badly affected by the financial crisis and it has much more new income and lots of projects. Princess Nora University, for example, is a huge project, which we hope to supply.

The pumps consume less energy thanks to a low pressure drop.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

75

EXHIBITOR PARTY

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Reyhan Ismailova of Cesan LTD and Ahmet Gorcelik of Onur Naturalstore Marbles

Evan Govender and Ralph Orbanek of Messe Miadien, Germany

BIG 5: EXHIBITOR PARTY Did we see you at the Tatyany Holkina of Med Development, Yousif Naeemat of International Trading Interprise, and Williatte Adeline of L’Oreal Middle East

Amanda Westerman of MECOM Forum UAE and Britt O’Sullivan of Ecomodular Living UK

Exhibitor’s reception?

Jorg Rodenhauser, Clerissa Thomami and Matthias Arend of Liebherr

Nick Jenkins of Manlift, Rosa Thomas, Louisa Theobald and Sam Kane of BIG 5 PML

Margaret Burgess, Keith Stubbs and Trevor Burgess of DMG Australia & New Zealand agents

Shahran Bin Ahmed, Julian Schutt and Liliana Faure of Co.Schutt Grande Forgesa France

Natasza Radkiewicz and Ewa Brynda of Inchem Pigment

Sammi Lee of Yuhong and Mohammad Khan of Mawarid

Shari Robitaillo and Brooke Askin of Tecnia

Liliya Kenzina and Nailya Kenzina of FBM Company Dubai

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

77

EXHIBITOR PARTY

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Sina Luig of Intl. Exhib. Services and Dimple Mhamunkar of DMG Worldmedia

Mazen Mkadem and Elisabeth Mueller of Linder Depa

Eric Wang, Sara Tang and Daniel Xia of ARK Prefab

Olli Tienhaara of Entre Marketing Finland, Karin Nars of Dinolift oy Finland and Pasi Uusi-kuitti of Dinolift oy Finland

Areej and Rami Al Hasooun of House of Equipment

78

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009WA

Iernesto Garcia of Yeyforma, Estefany Karstedt of Techmolde, Lydia Gallego of Techmolde and Idoya Vidondo of Aragon Exterior

Robert Braljacic, Konrad Aurin, Daniel Thompson, Christoph Dorn and Peter Vriens of Fermacell Aestuver

Karan Yadav of Ecoventures, Aksana Buracmkouskaya of Concrete Technology and Min Sung Yoo of Korvan

Martini Caroline and Nousawaz Yann of RAC

Daniel Wong and Fey Yap of WTH Industries

Gemma Price and Mark Lawrence of DMG Worldmedia

Cherie and Reggie Flagg of Metcon Global Steel Framing Systems

Rachel Fernandes of DMG Group and Krystal Fernandes of Intergraph

Mobile Crushing and Screening in Action The unification of the Extec and Fintec brands within the Sandvik group of companies has created the world’s most comprehensive and dynamic line-up of mobile crushing and screening equipment. The Sandvik Mobile Screening and Crushing range now delivers all the familiar characteristics of productivity, versatility and exceptionally low running costs, but they are now combined with levels of durability and aftersales support that are synonymous with the Sandvik name. New name, improved service, same great product.

SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION SANDVIK MIDDLE EAST FZE WAREHOUSE FZS1 BB01 JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE PO BOX 261216 DUBAI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TEL: 0097148860101 FAX: 0097148860109 info.extec-f intec@sandvik.com www.miningandconstruction.sandvik.com

TH

TH

TH

8 9 10 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 UNRESERVED PRIVATE AUCTION PRIVATE AUCTION FOR HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND LIGHT VEHICLES DUBAI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AUCTION STARTS 9AM CRAWLER TRACTORS WHEEL LOADERS HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS MOBILE EXCAVATORS MOTORGRADERS FORKLIFTS MANLIFTS TELESCOPIC HANDLERS GENERATOR SETS TRUCK TRACTORS DUMP TRUCKS TANKER TRUCKS CARGO TRUCKS TRAILERS TRUCKS DOUBLE DRUM ROLLERS COMBINATION ROLLERS PNEUMATIC TIRE ROLLERS WALK BEHIND ROLLERS VIBRATORY ROLLERS AIR COMPRESSORS WELDERS ROUGH TERRAIN CRANES CRAWLER CRANES LOADER BACKHOES INTEGRATED TOOL CARRIERS ASPHALT PROFILERS AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS ATTACHMENTS BUSES CARS, PICKUP TRUCKS , VANS, JEEPS Plus Much More...

O TH E R U P C O M I N G A U C T I O N S :

EL PASO, TEXAS

:

N OV E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 0 9

INTERNET BIDDING w / LIVE AUDIO available!

TEL +971 4 8816142

FAX +971 4 8813601

i r o n a u c t i o n s . c o m i n f o @ i r o n a u c t i o n s . c o m PO Box 17774 Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

RIDE OFF ON A YAMAHA BANSHEE Win a Yamaha Banshee motorbike as well as daily prizes of US $1,500 worth of Yamaha clothing and apparel when you visit the four brand new Sheikh Saeed halls

T

wo luckily Big 5 delegates have been selected to win US $1500 worth of Yamaha clothing and apparel.

The names selected from the tombola at the Al Yusuf Yamaha stand (11G41) were Faisal Yousef, chairman of Dur Al Yousefiah group and Mustafa Byloneh, general manager of Byloneh Company.

The competition will be open to exhibitors and delegates for the next two days and once you enter the daily draw, your details will be automatically entered into a Grand Prize draw for the Banshee motorbike, and a winner will be chosen on November 26 at 7:00pm.

The Yamaha Banshee motorbike is a sought after product here in the Gulf – it has Yamaha build quality, it is simple, easy to maintain and huge fun off road.

Yamaha joined forces with The Big 5 to provide a special temptation for visitors to explore four brand new Sheikh Saeed halls that the show fills and to promote what it can do for the construction industry.

“We wanted to promote our utility vehicles to engineers and construction companies and show them that they can be used on site,” said Al Yousuf Motors product manager Tamim Yousef. 5

SHOW INFO SHOW STOPPERS

FUTURE SHOWS Watch out for more informative and busy trade shows taking place in Dubai throughout 2010 The Office Exhibition 9 - 11 February 2010 Dubai World Trade Centre www.theofficeexhibition.com The Office Exhibition is recognised as being the flagship show for the office sector. No longer just a furniture showcase, we now offer dedicated sectors for both technology and consultancy. We bringing together the world’s most important manufacturers and suppliers, situated at the centre of the Gulf region's construction boom.

2009 saw an increase in size of over 60%, with visitor numbers increasing by nearly 20%! Be a part of the Middle East’s largest office solutions show and book your place now for 2010… space is going fast!

The Hotel Show 18 - 20 May 2010 Dubai World Trade Centre www.thehotelshow.com Where the Hospitality industry meets...

The Middle East remains a strong market for the hospitality sector, despite the current global downturn. It is forecasted that new hotel developments across the region will be worth US $30 billion through to 2010/11.

Reliable estimates are that the UAE alone will invest $19.9bn into hotel projects already under construction in 2009, which will see fit-out and supply business continue to flourish over the next two or three years.

Four dedicated product sectors ensure that exhibitors are able to take part among their peers, and that visitors can identify their needs easily and effectively: • Interiors & Design • Operating Equipment & Supplies • Security & Technology • The Resort Experience

Faisal Yousef (left) receives his prize from Tamim Yousef of Al Yousuf Motors.

FM Expo 18-20 May 2010 Dubai World Trade Centre www.fm-expo.com A joint venture with Streamline Marketing Group, FM Expo is a ‘one stop shop’ for everything needed to manage and maintain the built environment including: environment / energy, IT maintenance and management, property services, security and health

and safety. Co-located with the Hotel Show and InRetail, the 2008 event saw almost 100 companies take part and over 3,000 FM specific professionals attend to discover the latest maintenance, security, cleaning, information technology and/or energy management encompassed within a building.

Index 8-11 November 2010 Dubai World Trade Centre www.indexexhibition.com Now in its 19th year, INDEX is the number one business interior design show in the Middle East. With over 1800 exhibitors from around the globe, the event brings together a comprehensive collection of innovative and state of the art designs which are set to inspire. INDEX 2008 was attended by 30,348 trade visitors and industry professionals, including nearly 30% attendance from overseas. INDEX 2009 will see exciting new developments including floor seminars by renowned industry experts, stunning room sets by leading interior designers, a new VIP trade buyer programme and a lot more.

InRetail 8-11 November 2010 Dubai World Trade Centre www.inretailexhibition.com InRetail (co-located with the Index exhibition) is the largest retail design and shopfitting exhibition in the Middle East. InRetail offers a spectrum of products and services encompassing all working elements and support structures to the mall and retail sector.

From shop-fitting and visual merchandising, retail design and consulting to supply chain management technology and retail security, the event offers a complete solution for anybody involved in the retail sector. Our first class seminar programme running alongside the exhibition offers an educational look at the retail sector and its development in the Gulf from shopping mall construction to security and globalising retail.

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

81

DESTINATION DUBAI

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

BEST BUSINESS LUNCHES AROUND TOWN It’s the third day of the Big 5 and you’ve probably got a few clients you’d like to take out to lunch.

Time Out Dubai has picked out some business lunch restaurants. Posh or practical, you choose.

Rib Room Located at the gorgeous Emirates Towers in Dubai, the Rib Room provides a good atmosphere and reasonably good steaks.

Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 319 8088 Travel: 7 minutes walk Cuisine: Seafood, Steakhouse Timings: Open Sat to Thu noon to 2.30pm Price: AED100 per head Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

Lobby Lounge The Edge A clandestine restaurant that serves some of the best eats in town.

Location: DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 363 7770 Travel: 10 minutes walk Cuisine: European Timing: Open Sun-Thu noon to 2pm Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

Th is 24 hours restaurant-lounge provides a diverse range of refreshments around the clock and has a special sushi offer on at the moment.

Location: Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 4052703 Travel: 10 minutes walk Cuisine: Sushi Timings: Open Sun to Thu from 11.30pm to 2pm Price: AED66 per head Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

Exchange Grill The meat at The Fairmont’s signature steakhouse is some of the tastiest in town.

Perfectly cooked, appealing looking and served in style.

Location: Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 332 5555 Travel: Sheikh Zayed Road Cuisine: Steakhouse Timings: Open daily Sun-Thurs 12.30pm to 3.30pm Price: AED140 per head Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

Entre Nous Th is little restaurant is a hot spot for trade centre delegates looking for a quick business lunch.

Location: Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai Tel: 04 3320000 Travel: 0 minutes (next door to the exhibition centre) Cuisine: International Timings: Open daily noon to 3pm Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

GE N A H EXC ILL GR NT MO FAIR

For more restaurants, bars and cafés visit timeoutdubai.com

82

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

RIB RO OM JU MEIRA H EMIRAT ES TOWER S

ARE YOU REALLY INSULATING? ARE YOU PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT?

Insulation of pipes has not been given enough importance or attention, previously the main focus has been on condensation prevention.

Now Engineers, designers and owners NEED to consider the environmental impact AND the opportunity to SAVE ENERGY and REDUCE CO2 Emissions. INSULPHEN is THE MOST EFFICIENT THERMAL INSULATION vs Fibre or Rubber. YOU WILL SAVE ENERGY - ask us for comparisons.

Also in High Occupancy buildings Thermal Insulation MUST be Fire and Smoke safe - low flame spread and low smoke emission is critical to enable people to escape in the event of a fire.

Products selected must meet the regulations - Class 0 to UK buildings regs AND ASTM E84 25/50 flame spread/smoke emission rating!!

Only Insulphen WORLD CLASS Insulation gives you the best of all worlds.

OPENING TIMES 11:00 – 20:00 11:00 – 20:00 11:00 – 20:00

When you arrive at the venue please make your way to the registration points marked on the map. Remember to register online at www.thebig5exhibition.com to fast track your entry into the exhibition.

Tuesday 24th November Wednesday 25th November Thursday 26th November

B C D F

650 Spaces 1450 Spaces 470 Spaces 500 Spaces

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

(behind Etisalat Building)

Multi-Storey costs AED 10 per hour or AED 200 per day Additional over flow parking Jafiliya - Free land

(behind Etisalat Building)

Multi-Storey Car Park 980 Spaces Over flow parking Jafiliya 750 Spaces

(Recommended Exhibitor Parking)

Park Park Park Park

CAR PARKING SPACES

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

Car Car Car Car

In association with

SHOW MAP THE ESSENTIALS

85

SHOW MAP THE ESSENTIALS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

USEFUL INFORMATION TAXI PICK UP AND DROP OFF Taxi Pick Up: Station E (Shuttle Bus from Ibis Corner) Taxi Drop Off: Za’abeel, Ibis Corner, Convention Gate, Hall 1

METRO There will be Free RTA Shuttle Buses from the following stops to Dubai World Trade Centre: Direction from Sharjah, Deira, Bur Dubai: Jafiliya Metro Station

VALET Pick Up and Drop Off – Ibis Corner

(Between Halls 4 & 5)

86

BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Car Park Shuttle Bus Green Route (Free Service) Car Parks B, C, D – Hall 1 Shuttle Bus to Station E (Free Service)

Direction from Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali: DIFC Metro Station

PRIVATE CAR HIRE Order from desk based at Al Wasl Corner

Over flow parking Jafiliya – DWTC Plaza (behind Etisalat Building)

Car Park Shuttle Bus Red Route (Free Service)

Ibis Corner – Station E (Taxi Pick Up & Dubai Mall Shuttle Bus)

Station E – Dubai Mall (From 15:00 – 21:00) RTA Shuttle Bus – Route C 045 (Costs AED 4.00 NOL card) Picks up at RTA Bus Station at Convention Gate.

Stops at DWTC (Convention Gate) – Crowne Plaza – French Connection – Al Murooj Rotana – Dusit Dubai – DWTC (Convention Gate).

Start Time 08:00 – 20:00 (Bus every 30 minutes).

Shuttle Bus to Dubai Mall (Free Service)

BIMFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Bob, Steel Fabricator

Dave, Precaster

Ellen, Structural Engineer

Professionals of various disciplines working in a construction project are faced with the challenge to communicate and agree on the design in detail. They need a tool that enables effective centralization and control of all stages. Sharing the Tekla model allows them to stay in the building information loop, real-time.

Tekla Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software provides a data-rich 3D environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, and concrete detailers and manufacturers. Choose Tekla for the highest level of constructability and integration in project management and delivery.

John, General Contractor