Big Project ME April 2017

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133

APRIL 2017 meconstructionnews.com

THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION

“EvEry othEr industry has movEd forward. construction sEEms likE it’s stallEd in timE” Abdul Elbilly plans to start a quiet revolution in gcc construction

Contents

Issue 133 April 2017 08

14

18

24

36

40

14 For your amusement

36 Retrofitting for the long term

04 ME Construction News.com OnlIne

The biggest stories from Big Project Middle East’s home on the web

news AnAlysIs

Big Project ME examines how the theme park sector will drive Dubai’s tourism push

green buIldIng cOdes

Saeed Al Abbar outlines why retrofitting offers significant benefits to building owners

07 Nikken Sekki signs Cayan deal 18 Abdul Elbilly

40 Print Clarity

10 RTA joins up with Ericsson

56 Top tenders

The bIg pIcTure

Japanese architecture firm to work on $320m Jeddah mixed-use development InTernATIOnAl news

Swedish giant to help develop regulatory monitoring system for public transport

In prOfIle

Gavin Davids meets Abdul Elbilly, the CEO of IEAG, to discuss how contractors are rethinking digital platforms in construction

24 Roads to Transformation prOjecT prOfIle

Big Project ME profiles the roadworks project transforming Kuwait’s Western Region

12 Qatar full year review for 2016 32 Long-span bridges MArkeT OvervIew

cOMMenT

Colliers International report looks at the full year performance of Doha’s hospitality sector and outlook for 2017

Mike Tapley and Ian Flynn look at the engineering behind long-span bridges

TechnOlOgy

Big Project ME examines how 3D printing could work in the real world of construction Tenders

Big Project ME lists the Middle East’s biggest construction tenders for April 2017

60 Upping Saudisation lAsT wOrd

Bruce J Edwards discusses how Parsons is pushing forwards with its JEEP programme for Saudisation April 2017 1

Introduction

A quiet revolution

T clarification: Last month’s In Profile with wael Allan inadvertently carried a misprint. The sentence about its revenue should have read: “Overall, revenue for FY2016 came in at $871.24 million, compared to $1.14 billion the previous year, the contractor added in its statement.”

Big Project ME would like to apologise to DSI for the confusion.

PUBLISHING DIrector RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5471 eDItorIAL DIrector VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5472 Supported by

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‫ﺟﻤﻌﻴﺔ اﻟﺸﺮق اﻻوﺳﻂ ﻟﺼﻨﺎﻋﺎت اﻟﻄﺎﻗﺔ اﻟﺸﻤﺴﻴﺔ‬

Middle East Solar Industry Association

Empowering Solar across the Middle East

2 April 2017

his month’s In Profile is slightly different to our usual interviews, in that we decided to speak to the CEO of an interesting company that operates out of Dubai Internet City. While International Engineers + Architects Group does operate in the construction sphere, its playground is in the digital space.

This Australian company has been on a quiet revolution in Saudi Arabia, bringing the construction industry in the Kingdom to the digital age through a considered and discreet process that takes into consideration the various factors and limitations that exist within the industry. Rather than forcing the technology onto reluctant contractors, they prefer to blend in and integrate with their teams, adapting their systems and methodology to their digital platform and then translating the results into a language and format that their clients understand.

This ‘softly-softly’ approach certainly seems to be paying dividends for Abdul Elbilly and his team at IEAG’s offices in Dubai, and it was fascinating to hear how they’re bringing technology to a market that has always been somewhat more conservative than others.

Speaking of technology, it was quite interesting to hear about what 3D printing in construction can mean for the industry, from a legal and regulatory point of view.

eDItorIAL eDItor gAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5480 oNLINe eDItor BEN FLANAgAN ben.flanagan@cpimediagroup.com SUB eDItor AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpimediagroup.com

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ADVertISING coMMercIAL DIrector JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5496 SALeS eXecUtIVe JOANNA COLACO joanna.colaco@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5495

DIStrIBUtIoN MANAGer

MArKetING MArKetING MANAGer LISA JUSTICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498

While we’ve all been swept away by the wonderful opportunities this technology offers us, perhaps it’s worth taking a step back to examine just what it would mean for the industry to have 3D printed skyscrapers.

Who takes on the liabilities? Who bears the insurance claims? What guarantees are there for owners, developers and end users?

Once you start taking an in-depth look at the issues, it becomes painfully clear that there needs to be a lot more thought given to the topic. The technology is certainly here to stay, and while it may offer considerable benefits, it’s worth examining it from all angles to ensure there are no nasty surprises in store.

Finally, as many of you will know, we’ve got our first-ever Smart Infrastructure Summit coming up on April 26. It’s shaping up to be a really interesting event, with some great speakers on board. I hope I get to meet some of you there!

Gavin Davids editor gavin.davids@cpimediagroup.com @MecN_Gavin

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READERS’ COMMENTS

CONSTRUCTION

IS HyPERLOOP HyPE gOINg IN CIRCLES?

Carillion venture contractor for Dubai Expo project

INFRASTRUCTURE

Minister tours UAE’s first nuclear power plant

In pictures: Nakheel’s Deira Islands megaproject in Dubai

CONSTRUCTION

Work starts on Dubai’s Meydan One Mall

CONSTRUCTION

Al Futtaim breaks ground on 78,000sqm site in Dubai

CONSTRUCTION

RAK Properties signs $3m works contract for resort 4 April 2017

In pictures: Riyadh Metro carriages roll off production line at Alstom plant

We hear announcement after announcement about the ‘Hyperloop’ coming to the UAE. As your report (Hyperloop ‘aims to start UAE works by 2019’, March 8) said, the US company is looking to secure regulatory approval that will allow it to start production in the UAE within the next three years. While this would undoubtedly bring opportunities for one or two contractors in the UAE, let’s be realistic about this.

There has for years been speculation that such a system will come to the UAE, but it is yet to arrive. And it has never been tested with reallife passengers.

Don’t jump on board just yet.

Name withheld, Abu Dhabi, via email

The Big Picture

Hospitality project Japan’s Nikken Sekki will be working on the $320m mixed-use waterfront project, which is in Obhur, Jeddah.

Nikken Sekki wins $320m Cayan project Architecture contract is for 140,000sqm Jeddah mixed-use development Saudi property developer Cayan Group has signed an architectural contract with Japanese architectural firm Nikken Sekki for its upcoming $320 million mixed-use waterfront project in Obhur, Jeddah.

The new project will have a built-up area of 140,000sqm that will contain two towers – one a five-star hotel, the other a branded residential tower offering high-end living.

“This is another foray for us into the hospitality sector in the Middle East, signalling our commitment to investing in the growing sector in Jeddah and elsewhere,” said Ahmed Alhatti, chairman of the Cayan Group, during the unveiling of the group’s massive Obhur waterfront project at the MIPIM property show in Cannes, France.

The mixed-use project being developed in Jeddah is taking

advantage of the city’s growing prominence among visitors and residents, and the success of Jeddah Economic City has seen the city’s real estate and hospitality sectors gather pace over the last few years, the statement from Cayan added.

Nikken Sekkei offers a range of comprehensive professional services across the real estate and construction industries.

It has worked on several highprofile projects around the world, including the Yamaha Ginza, the Hoki Museum and Guangzhou Library.

It is currently involved on projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the statement said.

“We are happy to be a part of yet another Cayan Group project. The beauty and uniqueness of these projects inspire us all. We look forward to capturing Cayan Group’s vision,

“We have wanted to extend our support and fulfil our commitment towards the local economy and be part in pushing the economic wheel and nourishing Saudi’s real estate sector with quality projects and iconic designs”

integrating the project with the natural beauty of the Obhur waterfront and contributing towards the completion of this project,” remarked Kamei Tadao, president of Nikken Sekkei.

“This fulfilling partnership intends to bring along another great product that is in line with Cayan Group’s veneration to innovation and excellence.”

Speaking about Saudi Arabia as its home market, Alhatti said Cayan is keen to extend its support to the Kingdom’s economic development.

“We have wanted to expand our brand in the market, but more importantly we have wanted to extend our support and fulfil our commitment towards the local economy and be part in pushing the economic wheel and nourishing Saudi’s real-estate sector with quality projects and iconic designs.”

April 2017 7

The Big Picture

Strategic link The causeway will connect Kuwait City with the northern region of the country.

$3bn Kuwait causeway 73% complete

36km-long causeway will connect Kuwait City and the northern Subbiya area Work on the $3 billion Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Causeway project is about 73% complete, a senior Kuwaiti official has said, while also confirming that the 36km-long bridge is on track to launch in 2018.

Also known as the Subbiya Bridge, the project is one of the world’s longest causeways and will cut driving time between Kuwait City and Subbiya to 20-25 minutes from the current 90 minutes, an AFP report said, citing a senior Kuwaiti official.

The causeway construction contract was awarded to a consortium led by South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and Construction, along with Kuwait’s Combined Group Contracting Company.

Standing between 9-23m 8 April 2017

above sea level, the bridge sits on more than 1,500 piles with a diameter of up to 3m each. Some have been driven as deep as 72m into the loose clay seabed, said project engineer Mai Al Messad.

Kuwait intends the Subbiya Bridge to be a connection to its remote northern areas, where it plans to invest billions in Silk City, a project that aims to revive the ancient Silk Road trade route. Investment in the Silk City project is expected to be more than $100 billion, with a 5,000MW power plant already built in Subbiya.

This is all part of the wider plan to reinvigorate the ancient Silk Road trade route by establishing a major free trade zone that will link the Gulf to central Asia and

73%

Project completed

36km Length of causeway

$3bn Cost of project

2018

Scheduled launch date

Europe, the report added.

“The causeway project is a strategic link connecting Kuwait City to the northern region,” said Ahmad Al Hassan, assistant undersecretary for road engineering at the public works ministry. “We have already completed 73% of the project and hope to finish it ahead of the contractual period.”

He added that in addition to the fully integrated residential Silk City, other economic ventures are planned for the Subbiya area and its surroundings.

Once the causeway and harbour have been completed, the area will be converted into a commercial and investment hub, with a free trade zone planned on five islands nearby.

The Big Picture

Arada launches first project in Sharjah

Community will have more than 800 residences and will cover 464,515sqm Arada, a recently established UAE real estate developer, has announced the launch of its first project in Sharjah – Nasma Residences.

Expected to be complete in late 2018, the master-planned community will have more than 800 residential properties and several community facilities situated in a cultural and business hub, the developer said in a statement.

Investors will be offered a choice of two- and three-bedroom townhouses, four-bedroom semi-detached homes and five-bedroom signature villas.

“The project also translates our aspirations to stay in line with Sharjah leadership’s vision to create urban communities with vast green spaces.

Nasma Residences is our valueadded proposition to consumers”

The development itself will be spread over 464,515sqm of land.

“We are very proud to be launching Nasma Residences just over a month following Arada’s announcement. This is a clear indication of the reliability and credibility that we conveyed to the market from the outset,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Arada.

“The project also translates our aspirations to stay in line with Sharjah leadership’s vision to create urban communities with vast green spaces. Nasma Residences is our value-added proposition to consumers

demanding higher living standards combining product quality and affordability. We are confident that the project will be well received by families and investors who are seeking ergonomically designed homes in a strategically located and emerging destination.”

A partnership enterprise jointly founded by KBW Investments chairman Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal and Basma Group chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Arada commenced operations in early December 2016.

Nasma Residences will be anchored by four community

offerings, the developer said. A 13acre park with jogging and cycling paths will form one offering, while a multi-purpose community centre with a clubhouse offering sports, medical and recreational facilities will form another. Also included in the community offerings are an international school and a retail mall that will answer day-to-day shopping needs and dining options.

Over 50% of the master plan will be dedicated to community facilities, while homes will range in size from 140sqm to 325sqm. Prices will start at AED 995,000, the developer added.

Community offerings Nasma Residences will be anchored by four community offerings - a park, a multi-purpose community centre, a school and a retail mall.

April 2017 9

The Big Picture

1.Dubai’s RTa signs smaRT TRanspoRT DRive agReemenT wiTh sweDen’s eRicsson Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with Swedish communications giant Ericsson for the deployment of its regulatory monitoring system, which will help transform and regulate the future of public transportation in the emirate.

The agreement will allow the RTA to introduce the system, which will provide greater consistency, transparency and security for the authority. It will also help to ensure high standards of public and private hire facilities in Dubai.

As part of the agreement, the RTA will be provided with integrated cloud solutions based on a combination of suites, including advanced transport analytics, connected vehicle cloud, fleet management products, services and processes.

Wojceich Bajda, head of the Industry and Society Unit at Ericsson (Middle East), said the RTA’s transport system was driven by the needs of the people, and the transformation would be the foundation for the future of Dubai’s smart transport system.

10 April 2017

$713m

Brazil has approved the construction of a $713m private use port in the state of Espirito Santo

2. KeRala in TalKs wiTh omani fiRm abouT wasTe managemenT pRojecTs The Indian state of Kerala is in discussion with Muscat Project and Environment Service Company, an Omani firm, about setting up several state-ofthe-art waste management projects across the state, a top-level official has said.

According to a report by The Times of Oman, the

eco-friendly project, which has been implemented successfully in the sultanate, can be easily replicated in Kerala.

The paper quoted Niyas Pulikkalakath, chairman of Kerala’s State Industrial Development Corporation, as saying that the prevailing waste disposal method in the sultanate was “really impressive”.

Kerala is struggling to deal with several major issues, such as pollution, the overuse of pesticides in agriculture and water pollution.

Therefore, the eco-friendly waste management projects from Muscat Project and Environment Service Company will be ideal, said Pulikkalakath, following a meeting with EM Badruddeen, managing director of the Omani company.

The Big Picture

4. DuTch fiRm wins Dubai auTomaTeD bus conTRacT

1.28m

1

A Dutch technology company

The Japan Federation of Construction Contractors estimates that there will be 1.28m fewer workers by 2025

4

said it has won a contract to deliver an automated vehicle system that will connect Dubai’s Bluewaters island to the city’s metro network.

2getthere said the system will feature 25 driverless group rapid transit (GRT) vehicles capable of carrying 24 passengers each, connecting stations on the island with the Nakheel Harbour & Tower

3

metro station, with the route

2

spanning about 2.5km.

The capacity will initially be 3,350 people per hour per direction, with the possibility to increase to 5,000 people per hour per

$200m

direction. The trip time will be approximately 4.5 minutes.

The automated vehicle link is “set to become the largest of its kind in the world and

Spain’s Acciona has bought out Australia’s Geotech in a $200m deal as part of its international expansion

is considered an example of the future of autonomous transport solutions”, 2getthere said in a statement.

In a statement, 2getthere said it will realise the Dubai project through its Middle East joint venture with

3. siemens celebRaTes egypT mega pRojecT milesTone German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi recently symbolically inaugurated the first phase of Siemens’ mega project in Egypt.

The event marked an important milestone towards the completion of the project, which will boost the country’s power generation capacity

United Technical Services, by 45% when completed.

Together with local partners Orascom Construction and Elsewedy Electric, Siemens broke all records in modern power plant construction by connecting 4.8GW of new capacity to the grid only 18 months after the signing of the contract for the company’s biggest single order ever, the company said in a press statement.

Joe Kaeser, president

and CEO of Siemens AG, also announced the details of a strategic agreement between his company and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to support occupational training of over 5,500 employees. In the energy sector alone, more than 20,000 workers and technicians are engaged at Siemens’ three power plant sites during implementation.

and that the contract fits Dubai’s objective to have 25% of all trips completed by automated systems by 2035.

April 2017 11

Market Report

QATAR FULL YEAR REVIEW Colliers International takes a look back at the full year 2016 performance of Doha’s rapidly expanding hospitality market and predicts growth in 2017

SUPPLY Doha has seen an influx of more than 1,300 keys over the last one year, primarily in the 5-Star Segment. New hotel openings in Q4 2016 include Intercontinental Residence (82 units) and ALRayyan, Curio Collection (201 keys).

Branded supply is expected to increase by a CAGR of 18% from 2017 to 2019. While significant supply is expected to

12 April 2017

enter the 5-star and 4-star segments over the next few years, Some delays are expected, which leaves more time for the market to absorb the new supply.

MARKET PERFORMANCE Drop in oil prices resulted in slowing economic activity and corporate spending. The major hospitality districts in Doha experienced a drop in

occupancy and average rate, with hotels in Doha Downtown and West Bay Lagoon being the most affected. The hotel market occupancy is forecasted to close at 64% in 2017.

OUTLOOK While Doha has predominantly been a business destination, it is expected to see growth in leisure tourism

in the coming years. The recent opening of Mall of Qatar (December 2016) and the upcoming demand generators Such as Doha Festival City, Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown are expected to increase the appeal of Doha as a leisure destination. The gradual increase in leisure tourism over time is expected to help in diversifying the demand base for the city.

Source: Colliers International

Growth in leisure tourism in 2017 Doha is expected to see an upswing in leisure tourism in the coming years, Colliers predicts.

Market Report

Doha Hotel Scores

Projected Hotel Supply | Number of Keys 100

8%

R1 CAG

16,000

18,855 15,443 13,429

12,000 8,000

9,412

10,746

4,000

Score out of 100

Number of keys

20,000

80

73

50 40 20

2015

2016

2017(f)

2018(f)

2019(f)

Hotel 3 stars

+17%

-3%

-12%

-4%

-0.1%

-11%

+1% Occ 64%

OCC

-5%

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2015

2016

Hotel 5 stars

Hotel Apartments

Brand St. Regis W Four Seasons Rotana Sheraton Inter Continental Kempinski Ritz-Carlton Marriott Frazer Suites

US$ 166

Forecast FY 2017

GEI 94.7 90.8 90.3 90.0 89.9 88.4 87.8 86.0 85.9 85.9

Rating out of 100

ADR 2014

Hotel 4 stars

Doha Hotels’ Guest Experience Index

Kpls | YOY % Change

$

88

79

71

Business

Couples

RevPAR

Families

Group

What to Expect Leisure Demand

65.00

70.00

75.00

80.00

85.00

Leisure demand expected to increase with the growing number of leisure attractions.

Branded An increase in price-Conscious Corporate guests Seeking easy access to the airport Economy & Midscale Hotels and West Bay. Delays in hotel Openings

60.00

Delays in the delivery of hotel projects will have a positive impact on the Competitive landscape of the market.

87

West Bay Lagoon

86

76

Doha Downtown

West Bay and Diplomatic Area

April 2017 13

News Analysis

For Your Amusement Big Project ME speaks to the experts to understand just how important the theme park and entertainment sector is to Dubai’s plans to drive tourism numbers up As the GCC continues its drive to divest itself from its oil reliance, leisure and entertainment remains an important segment of Dubai’s tourism industry and investment in theme parks is seen as a high-growth sector due to the projects having wide appeal and universal popularity.

With the likes of Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure now operational and attracting visitors in droves, Big Project ME speaks to the experts to find out how the theme park industry is shaping up in 2017, and what sort of opportunities and challenges lie ahead.

“Dubai enjoys a strategic location, with over a third of the world’s population living within a five-hour flight; the city’s theme parks hence benefit from this extensive reach to the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent,” says David Godchaux, CEO of Core Savills, a UAE-based real estate advisory firm.

14 April 2017

Growing attractions Developers are backing theme parks and entertainment projects as regional demand continues to grow.

News Analysis

“Dubai enjoys a strategic location, with over a third of the world’s population living within a fivehour flight; the city’s theme parks hence benefit from this extensive reach to the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent” “Dubai is the fourth most visited city in the world, with more than 15.3 million international overnight visitors, with a spending of $2,050 per overnight visitor – the highest in the world. These nearby growing markets have a high amount of disposable income and are willing to fit a theme park visit within their holiday spend, for a unique experience.

“Therefore, amusement parks highly complement Dubai’s overall retail and entertainment strategy, which is to be at the crossroad of high disposable income individuals. We’re seeing developers move towards this segment, with Ain Dubai by Meraas – the world’s largest observation wheel, situated on Bluewaters – one such example,” he adds.

According to data collected for the DEAL (Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure) 2017 Show, Dubai Expo 2020 is expected to bring in 25 million visitors, 70% from abroad, which is expected to boost visits to theme parks and retail malls, which in turn encourages the growth of family entertainment centres (FECs) in the UAE. The interest in theme parks from visitors has prompted retail developers to look at developing entertainment options within their malls.

“Leisure is a versatile term and an important facet of malls,

as it draws the families with the kids together. Some years back it was possible for a retail mall to have its operations without an entertainment centre, but not now any longer,” says Sharif Rahman, CEO of IEC, in the report for DEAL. “Family entertainment centres are a must-have feature for every mega mall in this region. Indoor theme parks are here to stay, as you are more likely to go to the mall every week than an outdoor park, due to climatic conditions.

This is one key component that will help indoor theme parks and FECs to grow at a remarkable rate in the near future.

“Industry experts are of the view that shopping malls in the UAE are more focusing on enhancing their entertainment facilities, as more and more visitors are increasingly stopping over retail malls for entertainment rather than shopping. Malls are striving to bring in new leisure attractions, but they should also understand that they should enhance their existing entertainment offerings rather than getting something new.”

This is a familiar formula to Vinit Shah, chief destination management officer at Dubai Parks and Resorts, who explains that part of the planning for the DPR project in Jebel Ali was to create a destination that married the concepts of hospitality, retail April 2017 15

News Analysis

Creating an experience Vinit Shah says that Dubai Parks and Resorts aims to create safe, exciting and memorable experiences.

and entertainment in a way that hadn’t been done before.

“At DPR, we set out to create an experience that was safe, memorable and exciting, hence the world first integrated theme park resort destination was created, with four theme park gates and a hotel opening within a month of each other, this has never been attempted and delivered before in the world,” he says.

“We brought the best from the East and West together to make the destination appeal to various demographics. The retail/F&B areas were developed with the intent to attract residents and to provide a place for theme park guests to relax before or after their hectic park experience.”

He adds that the company has set out on development of Phase II of the destination and has started work on the LEGOLAND Hotel and the Six Flags Dubai theme park. The company in the near term will be focused on stabilising operations and the development of Phase II. Developers aim to create destinations, and theme parks are a focal point for few master developments, points out Godchaux, who says that in order to achieve these objectives, developers will need to reach a 16 April 2017

“The theme park sector is constantly evolving, there has been a sea of change in technology, the parks must adapt to that change and provide experiences that are clearly more immersive, more exciting and more thrilling than what can be delivered at home”

Gaining recognition David Godchaux says activity within the theme park sector will start slowly as theme parks will need time to be regionally recognised before reaching critical size.

certain momentum and boast a size that is critical enough to be flagged on the global map. This strategy complements Dubai’s vision to create landmarks and to attract buyers and residents.

However, Godchaux also says activity within the theme park sector is likely to start relatively slowly due to theme parks needing to be regionally recognised first, before reaching critical size.

“This takes time, momentum and a high volume of visitors. It’s too early to comment on their performance for another few years; it can be compared to analysing the success of Dubai Marina when there were a few initial towers, and looking at it today.

“Despite this, I do believe that Dubai, as a global destination, is big enough to support all these new parks. Unlike the US, Shanghai, Tokyo or France, where the domestic demand is high for their theme parks, Dubai relies on attracting visitors, being one of the most visited cities in the world.

“Therefore, the objective with local theme parks is to target visitors outside the UAE, which requires a different strategy to appeal to wider demographics.

Theme parks also represent a new avenue for the already robust retail sector, which represents

nearly 29% of Dubai’s GDP.” Shah adds that Dubai’s tourism sector has seen “incredible growth” over the last four or five years, with a compound annual growth rate of 8%, with the GCC, India and the UK being the key markets.

“In addition, there are lots of countries that are just opening up to travel the world – China for one – and the ability of parks to cater to specific needs of the visitors is going to remain a priority. The theme park sector is constantly evolving, there has been a sea of change in technology, the parks must adapt to that change and provide experiences that are clearly more immersive, more exciting and more thrilling than what can be delivered at home.

“Storytelling and setting the scene will resurface as a major element of the impressiveness, virtual reality will start taking centre place and visitors to parks may be able to design their own ride experience. The sector will remain strongly linked to in-bound tourism; the growth in the Middle East and Asia in this sector has been commendable, and we will see these areas start to create products that will rival destinations who have been in the business for decades.”

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by voestalpine

In Profile

“Productivity is a chronic disease to the construction industry. every other industry has moved forward. the construction industry seems like it’s stalled in time”

Big Project ME speaks to Abdul Elbilly, CEO of International Engineering + Architecture Group, about how his firm’s digital platform is helping reshape the way regional contractors think about their projects 18 April 2017

In Profile

April 2017 19

In Profile

i

t’s fair to say the GCC construction industry has undergone something of a cultural revolution over the last half decade, with the aftermath of the financial crisis pushing companies to re-evaluate how they work and operate in tighter financial times. In the UAE, the biggest indication of this cultural shift has been the embrace of construction technology by the Dubai government, which has mandated the use of BIM on major construction projects.

This mandate has sparked a flurry of interest among contractors and subcontractors from across the GCC, with several unfamiliar with the technology and its applications, which go far beyond just design and planning. While this interest is certainly welcome, it also has led to a growing awareness that much more needs to be done to bridge the knowledge gap in the regional industry.

However, this is easier said than done, given the wide range of understanding and capabilities in the regional construction market. While the UAE may be making great strides in pushing forward with the use of software technology and processing in construction, markets like Saudi Arabia face significant challenges as contractors remain focused on cashflow concerns and payments – an understandable attitude, given economic conditions in the Kingdom.

Despite these challenges, Abdul Elbilly, CEO of International Engineering 20 April 2017

ready for change Abdul Elbilly says that Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is ready and willing to embrace technology and innovation.

+ Architecture Group, says Saudi Arabia is a market ripe for the introduction and use of construction technology.

However, he tells Big Project ME that his firm is taking a rather different approach to the Saudi market.

“Our success in the digitisation process for design and construction comes from the fact that we don’t sell software or licences, rather that we’re implementers – we focus on the client’s output and we optimise the client’s existing infrastructure.

Equally important is that we bring stakeholders closer to the projects, which in turns prompts an effective decision-making process,” Elbilly says as he explains the approach taken by his firm from its very first projects six years ago, to where it is today.

“When most digital providers were busy lecturing contractors and owners about

“The market is changing. PPP and BOOT will be the trend in project finance and operation.

PPP is based on project lifecycle – it’s about optimising the operation of the built environment”

BIM technology, we came to contractors with solutions about improving productivity and optimising our clients’ logistical infrastructure,” he recollects.

“The clients felt comfortable with our approach as they were paying for output and not for licences and technology.”

In fact, Elbilly explains, his company ended up doing more digital projects in the Kingdom compared to its competitors, because it focused on the value proposition of digitisation rather than the technology itself.

“Our digital team integrates with the client’s project site; we blend with the client and become a part of the team and not an additional cost.”

Describing itself as an “Internet of Things VDC (virtual design and construction) provider”, IEAG is an Australian company with a Dubai hub, through which it provides BIM, construction and contract management to clients, with Saudi Arabia its biggest market.

“IEAG’s focus is on Saudi Arabia,” says Elbilly, speaking in his office at Dubai Internet City. “Digital FM is our core offering [in that market]. We’ve split our business 70%-30%, with 70% in the Asia Pacific region, with a focus on Australia, while also targeting Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Singapore is a good market for us with their standardisation and prefabrication, which is an area we’re mastering because we do the framework for fabrication.”

“Dubai is a hub for us, we bring in our product developers, planners and development managers from our global network to assist the team with product development, training and workshops. Dubai is an ideal platform for IEAG global initiatives and market access.”

Having first entered Saudi

In Profile

“Our success in the digitisation process for design and construction comes from the fact that we don’t sell software or licences, rather that we’re implementers – we focus on the client’s output and we optimise the client’s existing infrastructure” Arabia six years ago, the company has developed a digital collaboration platform that allows it to bring all the elements of design, construction, project and contract management together into one digital hub.

“We expanded our platform to digital planning and sequencing by rending project milestones, linking the platform to the schedule and reporting project progress in a 3D virtual environment.

This allows the stakeholder to

mitigate risk in real time and control both cost and time.

“Unfortunately, most contractors view schedule as a client requirement, with deliverables planned based on their cashflow and resources, and not as required per the contract. This process results in delays, more disputes and a confrontational relationship between client representatives and contractors.”

Given the changing dynamics in the construction market,

Elbilly expects a unified approach to be increasingly prevalent in the coming years, with contractors now desperate to improve productivity and performance.

“Contractors are interested in productivity – they are now operating in a low-yield competitive environment and they don’t have the financial resources to invest in technologies. We form a partnership with our clients to cover the investment related to digitisation, while we let

the contractor focus on what they do best,” he says, outlining IEAG’s business strategy.

“It might sound funny, but you can educate and inform the market by selling no digital. You don’t sell the technology of the platform; you sell the output of the platform. If their issues are BOQ validation, then you focus on BOQs. But how you do the modelling, it’s irrelevant to the client, so long as you give them the output that they want.

“We provide digital PMO

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In Profile

– first we build a digital representation of the project, eliminate design clashes and discrepancies, and we integrate time into the model, while also working with the client on model validation. We then take the as-built site data and we enrich the model, and through various design templates, we feed the site output into the model,” he explains, adding that IEAG’s studio and on-site operations collaborate and share data in real time and speak one language.

Among the biggest challenges facing the construction industry in the Middle East is the structure of contracts. Elbilly is scathing in his assessment, highlighting how fragmented and self-preservative they tend to be, which does little to encourage the collaboration and cooperation vital for the industry.

“If you look at the structure of the contract in the Middle

“By simplifying the planning process and visualising the milestones, contractors have now changed their attitude towards scheduling, because they can now see the visual impact of delays on their future cashflow”

East, it’s the most fragmented contract. Everybody is trying to protect himself, even though they’re all working in the interest of the owner. I look at the project structure in the region, and it’s fragmented, it’s confrontational. When you look at BIM as a database, the accountability platform becomes integral to the delivery.

We all have to collaborate from one source,” he asserts.

“Productivity is a chronic disease to the construction industry. Every other industry has moved forward – like manufacturing and fabrication, for example. The construction industry seems like it’s stalled in time. Typically, the main contractor’s role in the current market is to manage the contract.

Improving site productivity without effectively managing the subcontractors will not bring benefit to the overall site

opening new doors Digitisation allows contractors to use the virtual model to plan for a variety of applications, including restoration, expansion and renovation.

22 April 2017

performance. The integration delivery process is the key driver to improving productivity across the project delivery lifecycle.”

To that end, Elbilly explains that IEAG works to tailor technology and digitisation to suit the delivery methodology of each contractor it works with, in line with market trends. With its platform created to cope with a variety of challenges, he says the future is quite promising for the firm.

“The market is down in construction, but digitisation opens another door. If you optimise your virtual model, it’s unlimited in procurement, in operations and maintenance, in inventory tracking, in monitoring and in risk mitigation. It doesn’t even have to just be used for construction – restoration, renovation, expansion are all avenues for us.

“We know that Saudi Arabia is in a recession, and 2017 is likely to be no better. Maybe the recession will be a little deeper, but Saudi Arabia will always be the largest market, and if you look at the Kingdom’s budget now – I think it’s $240 billion to $300 billion – the bulk of it is for operational maintenance.

“Digitisation of operations and maintenance is our core business. We focus on facilities management, on IoT applications in a building, and we team up with companies that provide us with sensor technology.

We link these sensors to the digital models as applicable and when required, and then we can show stakeholders the savings in operations and how we can optimise their assets.”

Finally, Elbilly points out that shifting economic forces in the region mean governments, owners and developers will now be exploring different ways to finance projects. As a

In Profile

Government support Elbilly calls upon the GCC governments to support and back the adoption of digital and integrated project delivery, citing the success seen in the US, UK and Scandinavian countries, where governments have backed implementation.

“If you look at the structure of the contract in the Middle East, it’s the most fragmented contract. Everybody is trying to protect himself, even though they’re all working in the interest of the owner. I look at the project structure in the region, and it’s fragmented, it’s confrontational” result, construction technology of the kind IEAG offers is becoming ever more crucial to the health of the industry.

“The market is changing.

PPP and BOOT will be the trend in project finance and operation. PPP is based on project lifecycle – it’s about optimising the operation of the built environment.

“Integrated project delivery processes will be a key factor in PPP’s success. Therefore, contractors, designers and operators will have to think about digital integration to work within the PPP model.

“Digital facilities management is an integral and core process of our platform. There are currently

many millions of square metres of building without even the as-built record available. By us digitising these through laser scanning and drone technology, we can create a virtual model of the asset. This allows operators to manage the facilities costeffectively, while the model itself can be used for renovation and expansion, if necessary.”

With governments and municipal authorities becoming more supportive of the use of technology in construction, Elbilly sees continued growth in usage and adoption within the industry, a trend that will only be of continued benefit to contractors, owners and developers, he insists.

“Government intervention and support can have a significant impact on the adoption of digital and integrated project delivery process.

“The US, UK and the Scandinavian countries are at the forefront of these national initiatives [and we’ve seen the results in those markets],” Elbilly points out.

“Any mandated digital application is a bonus to our processes and our platform.

The more processes we digitise, the more we can centralise the delivery.

“This in turn provides one point of accountability.

Digitisation and integration of the design and construction

industry is having an amalgamation effect on the built environment, on project cost, fabrication, procurement, project management and even facilities management.

“By simplifying the planning process and visualising the milestones, contractors have now changed their attitude towards scheduling, because they can now see the visual impact of delays on their future cashflow and payment.

“With the plethora of information available from the digital sequencing, contractors have now started to look at integrated procurement processes in a new light,” he asserts confidently.

April 2017 23

Project Profile

Images: Nick Merrick © Hedrich Blessing

Roads to tRa

24 April 2017

Project Profile

nsfoRmation

Big Project ME profiles the Jahra Road and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street development projects in Kuwait City and learns how they are transforming the Western Region of Kuwait April 2017 25

Enhancing infrastructure The Jahra Road and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street development projects are two strategic ventures to develop Kuwait’s infrastructure and transportation networks.

Project Profile

t

he Jahra Road (RA/166) and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street (RA/167) development projects are two strategic ventures put forward by the government of Kuwait as part of the state’s ongoing plans to further enhance the existing infrastructure and transportation network. The joint venture of Pace and Louis Berger has been employed to undertake the design and construction supervision of the projects.

The implementation in progress aims to transform the existing roads into internationally standardised multi-level expressways extending 10 to 11 km across the Western Region of Kuwait. The scope of work also includes upgrading and reconstructing the existing service roads to provide additional traffic lanes with enhanced new, or relocated, utilities infrastructure.

The projects are interconnected within a network of newly developed highways including the Jaber Causeway and Doha link. This network will serve the city’s transport infrastructure and the highways are the main routes to reach the newly developed urbanising projects which are the Silk City project and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Seaport.

During planning, Pace/LB directed the implementation of the projects to take place over five phases of work each.

Reasons for phasing included: • Phasing traffic detours, which facilitates traffic flow in congested areas • Relocation of services in 26 April 2017

ChAlleNgeS of the pRoJeCtS Undertaking the projects in concerned authorities a fully populated and busy

involved in the project,

urban area, with such limited

including ministries, the

work zones, required intricate

municipality, contractors,

and faultless planning to

subcontractors,

avoid logistical issues. The

media and owners of

Pace/LB JV was successful in

establishments located

effectively managing the risks

along the projects’ routes

and challenges to a positive

Obtaining the necessary

conclusion and meeting

approvals from the above

the completion dates.

parties and authorities

Main challenges included:

Frequent follow-ups to

Construction in constricted work areas with minimal

ensure most efficient document control

rights of way

management

Maintaining effective

Detour facilitation

communication in the

procedures

coordination processes

Undocumented changes to

with different parties and

the underground network

of utilities and services that appear unexpectedly during excavations Extreme weather conditions and other factors affecting concrete casting operations and on-site productivity.

The existing heavy traffic density on the road due to the presence of services like hospitals, universities and institutes.

The procedures of procurement of equipment, machinery and materials imported from abroad, which require early planning and coordination with several parties to meet construction schedules.

Project Profile

phases, as per the technical specifications of these services • The necessity to complete Phase 1 of each project at an early stage • The nature of segmental erection requires commencing the works from one end of the project, then proceeding in a linear sequence.

Structures

Both projects, in their design, planning and construction, stand as two engineering marvels whose calibre can be measured by the advanced bridge building methodologies employed. The large-scale structural works make these giant projects two of the largest multi-level road projects in the world.

Attempting this outstanding upgrade for two of the most vital arteries in the busy

metropolis of Kuwait City, Pace/ LB employed very intricate and well-studied methods of construction that minimise any impediment or disruption of traffic flow, and do not perturb public environment dynamics.

The undertaking of this grand infrastructure development entailed a series of sophisticated large-scale operations. Its engineering, and complexity of location, required the use of the latest innovations in bridge constructions, involving the use of precast segmental erection with overhead launching gantries. Pace/LB established two of the largest purpose-made high-tech precast facilities worldwide for these projects.

For the two elevated mainlines of the projects, five launching gantries were imported and assembled (three for RA/166

Big Project Middle East Due: 03/10/2017

and two for RA/167) to mobilise the precast segments. Pace/ LB erected the Jahra Mainline viaduct via balanced cantilever, whereas the segmental spanby-span erection method was introduced for the Jamal Abdul Nasser Mainline viaduct. The remaining entry/exit ramps for both projects are being constructed mostly with various crawler and vehiclemounted cranes via segmental balanced cantilever as well.

Services and Utilities

Project works also entail the renovation of a number of utilities and drainage structures along the length of the project routes.

This includes the relocation, protection and refurbishment of water lines and sewage system, telephone services, gas lines and voltage cables.

precast Yard

Pace/LB set up two precast yards for the projects on a remote area of land in Doha district, with a total surface area of 280,000sqm. The Yards are fully utilised with largescale segment pre-cast technologies and machinery including mould production frames, heavy gantries, water tanks, storage and curing facilities, as well as staff offices and concrete batching plants.

The precast yards provided a greater space for segment fabrication works, along with a suitable environment where Pace/LB could maintain quality of the segments’ fabrication with regards to consistency and strength requirements.

Other advantages included easy geometry control, an elevated speed of overall implementation and high quality control, which guaranteed the construction of

April Issue

April 2017 27

Project Profile

more durable bridges that should require very little maintenance, in addition to very limited or no public disturbance.

Detours

Closing the entire road for construction works was not an option. Pace/LB had to find, design and develop alternate traffic routes for road users to reach their daily destinations in collaboration with the traffic authorities. Traffic detours, however long they extended, maintained the same properties of the original road including the number of traffic lanes, road width, services and all necessary road and detour signage and markings. Pace/ LB managed the construction of temporary detours in accordance to all international standards, comprising all the qualities of a well developed road in terms of asphalt quality and safety. environment and Construction Safety

Every construction job on-site has to be strictly executed within

“The precast yards provided a greater space for segment fabrication works, along with a suitable environment where Pace/LB could maintain quality of the segments fabrication with regards to consistency and meeting strength requirements”

all environmental standards and regulations formulated and developed periodically by the Environmental Public Authority. The projects require a certified specialist from Pace with the commission to raise a monthly report to the EPA on all environmental impacts caused by the project.

The report includes a monitoring log of occurrences around the project areas taken through field measurements during daily site visits.

Determining air quality, noise levels, groundwater quality, water sanitation, solid waste and liquid waste confirms the implementation requirements under the contract. A mobile laboratory was set up across the construction sites for measuring emissions and toxic readings.

Also, the existing planting and greenery lost during implementation of the project will be compensated for with Pace’s additional final landscaping, which will cover more than 300,000sqm when complete. managing disruptions The Pace/LB joint venture managed the construction of temporary detours in accordance to all international standards.

pRogReSS UpDAteS Jamal abdul nasser street development Project: Overall progress: 83% Completed structural works: 89% Completed utility works: 65%

sectional openings on Jamal abdul nasser street: 5 openings of viaducts: 8km of elevated mainline in both directions + 4.2km of exit/entry ramps.

Service Roads: 4 openings

Jahra Road development Project: Overall progress: 92% Completed structural works: 94% Completed utility works: 98%

sectional openings on Jahra Road: 6 openings of viaducts: 7.3km of the elevated mainline in both directions + 9.5km of exit/entry ramps.

Service roads: 6.2km Upcoming sectional openings, mainly of service roads, will be taking place in both projects throughout this year

28 April 2017

We have been attending the Big Project ME Awards for a number of years now and this is certainly one of the industry’s leading events.

The Big Project ME Awards commends the best of the region’s construction and building industry and we truly appreciate being recognised as one of the top performing contractors in the Middle East.

MARCUS TRUSCOTT

MANAGING DIRECTOR – MIDDLE EAST MULTIPLEX CONSTRUCTION

27 November 2017 19:00 - 23:00 Habtoor Grand Dubai Al Andalus Ballroom United Arab Emirates bigprojectmeawards.com

safety comes first The Pace/LB joint venture has implemented a number of safety applications, including mobile clinics and ‘safety contests’ for workers.

Site Visit

Some of the Pace/ LB’s safety applications implemented include: • Setting up multiple mobile clinics for the safety and health of workers along the project line • Providing periodic lectures on safety and security for workers in about 10 languages (due to multiple nationalities present) • Holding contests as a motivational factor for the best candidate following the instructions of health and safety in a monthly event called Safest Worker of the Month • Firm and strict safety supervision on-site, plus the application of international standards and safety regulations which include the use of helmets, jackets and other machine associated safety gear such as harnesses and belts, the proper set-up of banners, barriers and all signboards • Preliminary inductions on personal protective equipment • Specific operations and toolbox training • Safety training for subcontractors as well.

pRoJeCt WoRKS

Corporate Social Responsibility

the total construction cost has reached almost 500 million Kuwaiti dinars for both projects.

As part of their social responsibility agenda, Pace and LB constantly develop standardised training programmes for new engineers and university students which entail several educational lectures on the projects’ structural works, utility development works and project management.

The students also receive exceedingly valuable engineering substance through supervised practical application and field work on construction sites, including the precast yard.

Major project components include:

30 April 2017

Nasser Road

Jahra Road

18km of elevated segmental viaduct bridges: 8km for elevated Nasser Road mainline along 10km exit/entry ramps

17.7km of elevated segmental viaduct bridges: 7.3km for elevated Nasser Road mainline along 10.4km exit/entry ramps

716m of depressed road (underpass)

620m of depressed road (underpass)

3 multi-level interchanges with major highways

5 multi-level interchanges with major highways

Development of 20km ground level and service roads

Development of 18.5km ground level and service roads

9 ground level roundabouts replacing traffic signal intersections

7 ground-level roundabouts replacing traffic signal intersections

130,000sqm precast yard

150,000sqm precast yard

8,600 bridge segments

8,390 bridge segments

8 pedestrian overpasses

10 pedestrian overpasses

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Comment

Mike Tapley

Ian Flynn

Long-span bridges: do we have a Long way to go?

In the first of a four-part series, engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Aurecon highlights design and construction considerations unique to long-span bridges in the GCC region Bridges are not just a means of connecting two points together; a bridge can also serve as a landmark that defines the structure and its location. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic entry point to Sydney.

The Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi captures the essence of the region’s undulating sand dunes. Designers and builders have their work cut out for them to create the ‘postcard effect’.

When developing a scheme, devising a workable method of erection is an essential part of the design process. In particular, long-span bridges require a customised approach, 34 April 2017

dependent on span length, bridge form, geotechnical and environmental conditions.

In the Middle East, there are additional durability challenges due to high temperatures, strong direct sunlight, atmospheric chlorides and windborne sand.

Heat and sun The extreme prevalent temperatures here mean making due allowance for the large movements associated with the expansion and contraction of a bridge. Long-span bridges require specially fabricated modular movement joints, composed of a series of beams separated by

rubber elements that are able to open and close as bridges heat and cool. The Rion-Antirion Bridge in Greece required a joint with a movement range of almost 2.5m to cope with the expansion and contraction of the 2.2km deck. With such large movements, the joints themselves become massive units requiring installation in parts rather than as single components.

Similarly, the support bearings for long-span bridges in the GCC need to be specially fabricated for the large movements and loads while being protected from the abrasive and corrosive environment.

Strong direct sunlight can be detrimental to a bridge, as one side of a tower or pylon heats up more than another.

This differential expansion causes towers to lean during the day. Hence the geometry is different throughout 24 hours.

Consequently it is necessary to carry out work and surveys during the night too.

In addition, direct sunlight can cause deterioration in certain key components, such as the HDPE (high-density polyethylene) sheathing to stay cables. Again, more durable materials and additional accelerated testing are required.

Comment

rising to the challenge Bridge engineers are being tasked with carrying out increasingly complex designs from clients.

During construction, care has to be taken with the temperature of the concrete. While this is generally good practice in the GCC, it is more pertinent in bridge building because sections tend to be massive, leading to significant differences in temperature between the core and the external face following concrete placement. In order to minimise the rise in temperature, special measures can be taken, such as cement replacement by pulverised fuel ash, addition of superplasticisers to slow concrete reaction, and addition of flake ice rather than water to the mix.

Following placement, the curing

of the concrete in the dry GCC environment is essential to ensure the surfaces do not dry and crack.

Chlorides and sand Atmosphere-borne chlorides cause deterioration in both reinforced concrete and steel, so it is good practice to ensure barriers are present to hinder corrosion. This can be achieved by using a denser concrete mix for reinforced concrete or by applying an impenetrable coating to the steelwork. The coating selected should not only form a barrier, but also passivate the steel.

Airborne sand can remove the coating from steelwork,

leaving it exposed to moisture in the air. Once again, the importance of having a durable coating cannot be overstated.

Future-proofing One final consideration is ensuring the right long-term planning for maintenance. We recommend an above-average programme of inspections, because of the harsh operating environment. A customised Bridge Management System assists in managing this critical asset throughout its lifecycle, including inspection timings, repairs and budgeting.

As an extension of this, design

“Strong direct sunlight can be detrimental to a bridge, as one side of a tower or pylon heats up more than another. This differential expansion causes towers to lean during the day. Hence the geometry is different throughout 24 hours�

for access and maintenance is especially crucial in the Middle East due to the above-stated environmental effects. We have encountered situations where the inspection team cannot safely access critical areas or, worse, is unable to see the bearings!

As bridge engineers, we rise to the challenge of the ever more complex designs our clients present to us. For a contractor, selecting the most suitable erection method is often the difference between financial success and failure.

A close relationship between client, engineer and contractor benefits all parties.

April 2017 35

Green building codes

RetRofitting buildings foR long-teRm savings Retrofitting buildings yields significant benefits to the owners, not only in energy efficiency but also in cost-effective upgrading of systems, says Saeed Al Abbar, chairman of Emirates Green Building Council awareness is critical Strengthening awareness among building owners of the long-term benefits of retrofitting and refurbishing is critical, but remains challenging, says EmiratesGBC.

36 April 2017

Since buildings consume a significant amount of energy, it is important to initiate energy conservation retrofits to reduce energy consumption and positively impact utility costs related to heating, cooling and lighting needs. There are some very basic measures that existing buildings can effectively implement to achieve efficiency, including intelligent building controls, lighting retrofits and equipment upgrades.

As well as improving energy and water efficiency, building

Green building codes

retrofits can improve indoor environmental quality by ensuring that adequate fresh air provision is maintained to all occupied spaces.

Considerations of upgrading facilities for accessibility, safety and security should also be met, in compliance with local building codes and regulations for the retrofit of older buildings. Designing major renovations and retrofits for existing buildings to include sustainability initiatives will then not only reduce operation

costs and environmental impacts, it can also increase building adaptability, durability and resilience.

This is where regulations, green codes and legislation can contribute to making retrofit projects successful and effective.

Today, there is tremendous support from both public and private sectors in promoting the refurbishment of existing buildings in the UAE. This is one of the priority areas that Emirates Green Building Council advocates for.

Strengthening awareness among building owners of the long-term benefits that the investment in refurbishing brings is critical, but remains challenging. Retrofit may represent an initial financial challenge, but it also brings great opportunities and savings.

EmiratesGBC’s Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings underlines the sustainable and economic benefits in the long run, offering a wide range of best practices to ensure a seamless and more efficient process. Drafted by our expert members, the Guidelines can help all industry stakeholders understand the different measures that can be undertaken to reduce energy consumption, as well as the different technology systems used in retrofit projects.

The Council is also planning to launch the Building Retrofit Training (BRT) Programme, based on the EmiratesGBC Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings.

The programme will provide professional capacity-building with certification for the industry to retrofit existing buildings to be more energyefficient. Candidates for the BRT workshops comprise a broad range of stakeholders including building owners, end users and operators.

Over the past years, several public and private initiatives have been launched to engage in retrofit projects. The Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, for instance, aims to reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030.

Alongside this, Etihad ESCO, a Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) venture established in 2013, oversees a retrofitting programme for existing government

“Designing major renovations and retrofits for existing buildings to include sustainability initiatives will not only reduce operation costs and environmental impacts, it can also increase building adaptability, durability and resilience.

This is where regulations, green codes and legislation can contribute�

April 2017 37

Green building codes

benchmarking project EmiratesGBC is piloting a benchmarking project that aims to measure the energy performance of 100 buildings in Dubai, in three focus groups - hotels, malls and schools.

“As well as improving energy and water efficiency, building retrofits can improve indoor environmental quality by ensuring that adequate fresh air provision is maintained to all occupied spaces” buildings with the aim of creating a viable performance contracting market for energy service companies in Dubai.

Another example is Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority’s (ADWEA) Demand Side Management (DSM) programme Tarsheed, launched in January 2017, which aims to encourage its customers to use water and electricity more efficiently. The programme is part of a strategy

38 April 2017

to reduce water and electricity consumption by 20% by 2030.

In addition, in 2014 EmiratesGBC and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) rolled out a Benchmarking Project to support the Building Efficiency Accelerator (BEA), an initiative under Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) launched by the UN Secretary-General and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), to ramp up the

energy efficiency of buildings.

EmiratesGBC is now piloting a benchmarking project that aims to measure the energy performance of 100 buildings in Dubai in three focus groups – hotels, malls and schools. DSCE is reaching out to its partners to extend its support to the project and mark the first BEA demonstration project in Dubai, which will serve as a reference point in driving forward the energy efficiency of buildings

in the city and doubling the rate of efficiency by 2030.

We need to continuously highlight the challenges and solutions in transforming the existing built environment into a more sustainable one. The path to higher performance buildings is, however, clearer: regulations are paving the way towards change, and both the public and the private sector can provide financial and technical solutions that lead to energy efficiency.

Technology

Print Clarity

Following the news that a local start-up plans to build the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper in Dubai, Big Project ME looks at what impact such a project would have on construction’s legal and regulatory framework in the emirate 40 April 2017

Last month, a Dubai-based construction company created quite a stir in local media when it announced that it planned to build the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper in the emirate.

According to Chris Kelsey, CEO of Cazza Construction, the firm will be able to 3D print high-rise structures using a newly developed technique called

Technology

three biggest headaches Design life, maintenance and insurance are likely to be three of the biggest headaches for the owner of a 3D-printed skyscraper.

crane printing to construct the building. What this will entail is using cranes with added sections designed specifically for building 3D-printed structures that are 80 metres and above.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Kelsey explains that the cranes will focus on 3D printing the parts of the building that are efficient to print, and that the rest of the

building will be completed using existing methods and technology.

“When we first thought of implementing 3D printing technologies, we were mostly thinking of houses and lowrise buildings. Developers kept asking us if it was possible to build a 3D-printed skyscraper. This led us to begin researching how we could adapt the technologies for taller structures,” Kelsey is quoted.

“Many developers were quite open to 3D printing, but they just want to make sure that it is safe to do, as it is a new concept. A 3D-printed building is of the same strength, if not stronger, than a typical building. Keep in mind that we 3D print the parts that make sense to print; the building still includes reinforcements such as rebar, etc. It takes us around the same time or shorter to design a 3D-printed building than that of a typical building. It saves time because we can 3D print parts directly from the design.”

The development of 3D printing technology over the last few years has obviously generated a surge of interest in its application in the construction industry, while locally, the introduction of Dubai’s 3D Printing Strategy has fuelled speculation about the scope and scale of the technology.

However, despite the excitement, there remain justifiable concerns about the application and implementation of 3D printing technology, as Big Project ME discovers when speaking to two leading experts about the legal challenges around its introduction.

Although the technology required to 3D print a skyscraper certainly exists and has been used to construct smaller buildings – such as an office block in Dubai – there remains

“Design life, maintenance and insurance are likely to be three of the biggest headaches for the owner of a large structure built using largely untested methods” a lack of clarity as to how Cazza intends to go about constructing its proposed skyscraper, says James Plant, associate at Holman Fenwick Willan, a specialist in construction and engineering law.

“It’s not yet clear if Dubaibased Cazza proposes to build the tower from 3D-printed components and assemble them on-site, in much the same way

as existing precast concrete construction methods. More exciting would be if Cazza plans to 3D print the whole skyscraper on-site, with the printer climbing skywards with the tower like a concrete slip-former,” he tells Big Project ME. “The latter approach would present greater technical challenge, but has the potential to revolutionise skyscraper construction.”

Despite the technical leap forward, Plant remains cautious about what sort of impact a project like this would have on the real estate and construction market, specifically in terms of liabilities and legalities.

“Design life, maintenance and insurance are likely to be three of the biggest headaches for the owner of a large structure built using largely untested methods,” he explains. “3D buildings haven’t yet been around for long enough to know if a 3D-printed skyscraper would last as long as one built with traditional methods, and whether it might need more maintenance to keep it standing and looking pristine.”

“These unknowns mean that contractors and designers may be unwilling to guarantee the building beyond the minimum period required by law, or will otherwise factor in the increased risk to their prices.

Insuring the tower could also prove difficult or expensive for owners, with cautious insurers demanding high premiums for risks that are hard to predict, such as durability in extreme weather or seismic activity.

“The application of 3D printing (and other additive manufacturing technologies) to construction opens up possibilities such as the reduction in the amount of raw materials required, allowing increasingly for just-in-time manufacture

April 2017 41

Technology

“The application of 3D printing to construction opens up possibilities such as the reduction in the amount of raw materials required, allowing increasingly for just-in-time manufacture and dramatically narrowing the range of trades (and number of workers) involved in construction”

42 April 2017

and dramatically narrowing the range of trades (and number of workers) involved in construction. As such, its capacity as a disruptive, and indeed potentially transformative, technology in the industry can clearly be seen,” adds Kwadwo Sarkodie, partner at Mayer Brown, in an email Q&A. “[However], the position with regards to responsibility as between contracting parties in relation to such matters as intellectual property in respect of the design, health and safety, delay, insurance, warranties and liability in respect of design defects may be reordered and/ or become less clearly defined.”

Sarkodie suggests that the UAE’s laws around construction and development need to catch up with the technology, with projects like Cazza’s proposed skyscraper likely to become increasingly common.

“The current body of case law and statute (and standard for contracts) applicable in relation to the construction industry has Catching up with technology Sarkodie says that the UAE’s laws around construction and development need to catch up with 3D printing technology.

been developed by reference to the traditional approaches to construction, procurement and risk allocation which 3D printing threatens to disrupt,” he says.

“As such, it is expected that, if widely adopted, 3D printing would be likely to give rise to new business models and contractual relationships.

These can indeed be expected to present new challenges with regards to construction law.

“However, construction law has shown time and again over the years an ability to develop and adapt in the face of technological developments,” he points out.

Plant adds that Dubai’s 3D Printing Strategy has placed the city at the forefront of developing this technology and established it as a leader in the field.

However, this also means new regulations and standards need to be introduced by government, so as to set the framework for the technology to thrive.

“The UAE’s existing legal regime makes contractors and designers jointly and severally

liable for the stability of structures for ten years. In reality, though, the courts tend to draw a distinction between liability for defects relating to design versus construction,” Plant explains.

“Constructing a tower using 3D printing would blur the boundaries between design and construction, given the specialist nature of the materials and techniques in question, which will likely require greater design input by the building contractor.

“The owner would need to get direct warranties from both contractor and designer, and all involved should review their professional indemnity policies to ensure they provide coverage suitable for this unusual arrangement.

“The existing building regulations and codes do not contemplate 3D printing.

They will need to be updated if this technology is set to play a larger role in construction, which the Dubai government has already committed to,” Plant asserts in conclusion.

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44 April 2017

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AwAkening the drAgon

Nakheel’s Dragon Mart 2 extension is set to become the largest Chinese trading hub outside mainland China, with stores offering a range of building materials and furnishings for both commercial and residential properties

Dragon Mart 2 is a 195,096sqm extension to the original Dragon Mart 1 retail complex in Dubai, the largest Chinese trading hub outside mainland China.

Featuring 102,193sqm of leasable space, Dragon Mart 2 features 570 shops, 520 kiosks, restaurants and entertainment outlets including a Geant supermarket and a 12-screen Novo Cinema complex. The tree-lined Dragon Drive boulevard contains an extensive selection

46 April 2017

of restaurants and cafĂŠs with indoor and outdoor seating.

Dragon Mart 2 also includes a multi-storey car park for 4,500 vehicles and a 251-room hotel, managed by Accor under the ibis Styles brand, directly connected to the mall.

Dragon Mart 2 is part of the upcoming Dragon City development that, when complete, will be a spectacular 1,021,933sqm shopping, residential and leisure destination.

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April 2017 47

Show Preview

CitysCape abu Dhabi

Regional property show comes to Abu Dhabi for its 11th edition, with hundreds of developments ready to be showcased at ADNEC from 18-20 April Marking its 11th edition this year, Cityscape Abu Dhabi is the UAE capital’s largest and most influential property showcase which gathers local, regional and international exhibitors together alongside a range of high-profile speakers.

Over the past decade, the three-day exhibition has showcased hundreds of private and public development projects which have helped shape the emirate into a regional hub for tourism and commerce.

Running 18-20 April at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Cityscape Abu Dhabi will also host major developers such as Aldar Properties, Eagle Hills Properties, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Bloom Properties, Tamouh, Manazel, Eshraq, Wahat al Zaweya and Mubadala. New participants to the show floor this year include Abu Dhabi Capital Group, Aabar, Hydra, RAK Properties, Tiger Properties, Dubai Investment Real Estate Company (DIRC) and Al Hamad.

The Abu Dhabi Conference runs on the opening day of the event (18 April), and will feature prominent speakers and regional experts in the real estate development and property investment industry. New to the show this year are the free-toattend Cityscape Talks, which will offer live content direct from the show floor, covering a range of themes for visitors, including how to maximise real estate investment, discussing market trends, important information before finalising a purchase and networking with potential business contacts, while the 48 April 2017

New to the show This year will feature free-to-attend Cityscape Talks, which will offer live content direct from the show floor.

industry sessions will focus on key themes for real estate brokers, architects, engineers and other professionals.

Notable participants include David Dudley, international director at JLL MENA; Omar Al Busaidy, Abu Dhabi experience development unit head, Tourism & Culture Authority Abu Dhabi; Maan Al Awlaqi, director, Aldar Properties; Ann Boothello, senior marketing manager, Dubizzle; Craig Plumb, head

of Research, JLL; Mohammed Al Fardan, director of Masdar City Free Zone; and Sean Magee, senior legal counsel.

Topics to be discussed include ‘Destination Abu Dhabi: establishing an attractive hub for local and international real estate investors’ and how free zones are fostering the investment environment.

Investors visiting the show floor will have the opportunity to purchase property from a select

number of exhibitors who have undergone a rigorous approval process put in place by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

Among some of the leading exhibitors revealing new launches at the show are Aldar Properties, National Investment Corporation and Wahat Al Zaweya, along with a prominent line-up of international developers who will be showcasing their projects to investors in the Middle East for the first time.

Bringing the latest

construction news from across the GCC

www.meconstructionnews.com

Event Preview

Smart InfraStructure SummIt

Big Project Middle East will be holding its first ever Smart Infrastructure Summit on April 26, 2017 at the Habtoor Grand Hotel in Dubai Marina

adressing key issues The summit will address issues such as developing common standards, improving efficiency through data analytics and demonstrating the ROI of smart technology investments.

The Smart Infrastructure Summit, taking place 26 April at Habtoor Grand JBR Hotel, Dubai, is the premier event for discussing the opportunities and challenges of developing world-class infrastructure that maximises efficiency and creates high-quality services for end users in the region.

Experts and business leaders from the UAE’s construction industry are poised to network, brainstorm and discuss innovative ideas for developing connected infrastructure that uses the latest technologies, platforms and materials to improve performance.

This is a cross-industry conference that will encourage knowledge sharing between 50 April 2017

leading mobility, utility, municipal and real estate sector developers in the UAE. The summit will address key issues such as developing common standards, improving efficiency through data analytics and demonstrating the ROI of smart technology investments.

Organisations such as the RTA, Emaar and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development will discuss the future of major projects in the region and how to ensure the UAE rises to the challenge of developing and maintaining world-class infrastructure to maintain its position as an international hub for business, real estate and tourism.

Sustainability will be a key

“This is a cross-industry conference that will encourage knowledge sharing between leading mobility, utility, municipal and real estate sector developers in the UAE”

theme throughout the conference, and a morning panel including Abu Dhabi Municipality, DEWA and SEWA will discuss innovative technologies to meet National Vision 2021’s goals for reducing energy consumption and ideas for the better use of the country’s resources.

An exclusive presentation from Hyperloop One will follow an interesting discussion on the future prospects for smart mobility in the GCC. A panel on mixed-use developments will discuss how developers in the region can build compelling value propositions through the use of IoT technologies.

The event is free for delegates to attend but limited to 200 seats, which are exclusively available to construction professionals. The summit will effectively serve those seeking to gain invaluable and exclusive insight into the strategies for developing the next phase of infrastructure projects in the GCC. Event sponsors include AECOM, Hill International and Parsons, and the summit is officially endorsed by Hyperloop One and MESIA. Delegates can earn CPD points for attending sessions, in conjunction with conference knowledge partner the Chartered Institute of Building.

Other knowledge partners include the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and architecture and engineering consultancy LACASA. For more information about the summit, please visit: www. smartinfrastructuresummit.com

www.hillintl.com

Sustainability

CHARGING UP ABB’s Urs Waelchli explains how retail could lead a fast charge revolution for electric vehicles in the GCC region

An obstacle for electric adoption Urs Waelchli says that the low cost of fuel in the GCC has been one of the main obstacles to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the region.

52 April 2017

Urs Waelchli, VP, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure at ABB, warns Big Project ME that this interview is going to take a lot longer than we’ve allowed for.

Already five minutes over, he jokes, “I told you you would want to have more time!”

Waelchli is speaking at ABB’s stand at the World Future Energy Summit, where he is guiding people through some of the ABB advances that will play a part in a more advanced and sustainable region. As we sit down to talk about its potential in the Middle

East, he addresses one of the major barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles in the region head-on.

“I think here in the region one of the key drivers is missing and that is the cost of fuel,” he comments. “However, I feel this region has a very strong desire for sustainable, green cities and advanced technology.”

ABB has for several years been at the forefront of developing the infrastructure that enables electric vehicles (EVs) to take to the roads.

As such, it is keen to see global progress and understands the

Sustainability

challenges that are being overcome in order to make the technology a viable alternative to traditional fuel.

He starts by explaining one of the most prosaic problems facing a company that wants to provide its charging solution to the global market – the lack of standard power generation and delivery to sockets on the car bodies of the early adopters of electric vehicles.

“The car fast charging unit on the stand (at WFES) has three outlets to incorporate the three global power standards, and this is one of the challenges that we are facing:

even though it is a new industry we don’t have a universal standard.”

The fast charger for cars can get drivers back on the road in under 15 minutes. While it isn’t as rapid as a fuel pump, this is barely enough time to grab a medium latte and a sandwich. It is certainly a lot shorter than the full-course overnight charging that has put off many consumers in the past.

ABB is now also able to use real-life research and experience to plot out how the infrastructure works out in the field. Extensive trialling in Europe has also demonstrated that nationwide coverage of chargers is possible and straightforward, combating fears – or range anxiety, as Waelchli neatly puts it.

“The earliest success we had was a project in Estonia. It was the first country that decided to build a country-wide network,” he explains. “We were a very active partner in a showcase of 150 chargers installed in the country.

We were able to use the project to show that once you have a network, the people start using it.”

He continues: “This morning I looked at a statistic they published and they have grown from 1,000 sessions per month in 2013 to 13,000 sessions. The Estonia project has been a real eye opener not just on the technology side, but also on the application side – it showed that we need to get networks. It means you don’t have this range anxiety anymore; you can drive around and know somewhere along your way there will be a charger.”

ABB continues to work with most of the car OEMs, many of whom have begun to unveil their own EV strategy in recent months.

“From the moment they are starting to develop a car, we usually find each other to help their R&D teams to explain what kinds of infrastructure the car might find in the future,” says

“I think here in the region one of the key drivers is missing and that is the cost of fuel. However, I feel this region has a very strong desire for sustainable, green cities and advanced technology” Waelchli. “To develop such a car can take three to four years, so this dialogue is something that usually occurs quite early and we can accompany the OEM through the development cycle of the car.

“Whilst the car is on the test track and once the car goes through to the dealers, we try to partner up with them by providing the infrastructure so they can concentrate on the car. This happens with any major America, European or Asian OEM.” He adds: “We are now deploying our basic car charging in many more regions and are in

approximately 50 countries all over the world. Many countries have just finished their trials and now we need to see if we can set up a network with them.”

Waelchli drafts out the fourpoint levels of ABB’s vision of how charging will be introduced if it is going to enjoy full-scale adoption.

The car fast charging sits on a second tier below high powered charges for public transport. At the bottom is the lower wattage possibilities of charging at home or at offices where vehicles are parked for several hours. He also describes a fourth scenario of inner-city and urban charging that can be done in 30 minutes at supermarkets and retail outlets.

The end of 2016 saw the announcement by Swedish retail chain Lidl that it is planning a major expansion of its charger programme. Waelchli suggests the supermarket giant is not alone in seeing the possibilities of offering charging as a service.

“This type of charging in Europe is booming because it is a nice touch for supermarkets or restaurants to say they are green,” he says. “Drivers of these types of vehicles are very connected on social media, so it works as great marketing promotion for these brands. I have retail chains that are defining their whole brand around being green. I see a lot of potential in the region, as it is providing an additional service to something a lot of people are already doing, such as shopping, eating at a restaurant or going to an amusement park.

“Working with retailers here is definitely a possibility – my doors are open. We are using the case of Lidl and many others in Europe to showcase a service that complements their channel offering. It is something that is ready to be picked up, and with very little effort. You can provide a service and stimulate

April 2017 53

Sustainability

UAE tAkEs thE lEAd Frank Duggan, president, Region Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) at ABB, gives his view on the UAE taking the lead in sustainability.

“A land of endless possibilities is how the UAE likes being described, and why not, as in a very short span the country has achieved global recognition for excellence in hospitality, logistics, airport management and now clean energy,” writes Duggan.

“The leaders of this

Willing participants Public transport operations have been willing participants in trials for new engine and fuel technology. However, they require huge amounts of power to recharge.

country have not stopped looking to the future. The world’s seventh largest

We will definitely see battery technology meeting the requirements that we need”

reserves of oil and gas are situated in this country, and we all know these will continue to be important for decades to come. Even

the behaviour you want to have from your customers.”

Turning his attention to the fleet market, he uses the example of taxi operators to explain why the technology is still limited by the initial cost of ownership. “A lot of cities in Europe have CO2 and emission standards to fulfil, although it is difficult to influence the private persons towards electric vehicles. But I’ve seen taxi fleets use it in marketing,” he explains.

“However, this is an area that has some development to do on the car side. A taxi, for instance, is a very heavy-duty application and we need the car OEMs to bring middle-classed cars (such as sedans) with large batteries so they can operate a useful cycle time before they need to go to fast charge.”

Public transport operations have been willing participants

54 April 2017

in trials of new engine and fuel technology. However, they require huge amounts of power to recharge. “High-powered bus charging is clearly the next step. It is a very hot topic at the moment and I can’t think of many places in Europe that does not have a plan to upgrade its bus infrastructure to electric infrastructure. This requires a substantially higher amount of power. We are talking 150kW up to 600kW.” 2017 will see a series of trials and progress in electric public transport, and the EV car industry has become increasingly keen to access the higher power technology it requires.

“When we started to do bus charging, we thought that 150kW to 600kW was a lot of power, but in the meantime you’ve had car companies like Tesla with a 100kW battery that is charging

at 125kW. They are now coming to us saying they want to charge at 300kW, but it can be done.

The technology is here. It is not a problem,” Waelchli affirms.

The last five years has seen dramatic improvements to batteries. Costs have come down by 80%. At the same time, the efficiency and overall performance of batteries has improved dramatically, boosting hopes they can cope with the high demand for aircon in the region.

“You’ve seen the Nissan Leaf is now getting the fourth/fifth battery upgrade in the same car body.

They are able to build a battery with 25% more capacity in the same car body. We will definitely see battery technology meeting the requirements that we need.

At the end of the day, if you’ve been driving for four or five hours, then you should take a rest.”

so, there are concrete plans for a future beyond oil.

“As the hosts of the International Renewable Energy Agency and World Future Energy Summit, they are promoting best practices in policy, technology and financing of renewable energy around the world.

“Dubai is also installing 100 electric vehicle charging stations across the city and building a new Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) headquarters, which promises to be an energyefficient prototype for smart buildings. Masdar in Abu Dhabi is investing in utility-scale renewable energy projects.”

Tenders

Top tenders Kangan Petro-refinery Project – Phase 2 Budget $3,210,000,000 Project number WPR1652-IR territory Tehran, Iran client Ahdaf Investment Company (Iran) Description Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a refinery status Current Project tender categories Gas Processing & Distribution, Oilfields & Refineries tender Products Refinery, Offsites & Utilities

tanK farm Project – DuBai Budget $400,000,000 Project number MPP3102-SA territory Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia

client Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) Phone (+966-13) 872 0115 / 874 2222 fax (+966-13) 873 8190 / 874 1655 email supplierHelpDesk@ aramco.com Website www.saudiaramco.com Description Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build storage tanks for oil products status New Tender tender categories Oilfields & Refineries tender Products Storage

jeDDah mixeD-use DeveloPment Project – oBhur Waterfront Budget $320,000,000 Project number MPP3103-SA

territory Riyadh 11578, Saudi Arabia client Cayan Investment & Development (Saudi Arabia) address Al Tahliah Street, Al Abdulatif Bldg, 1st Floor, Office 5 Phone (+966-11) 416 3311 fax (+966-11) 462 2262 email info@cayan.net Website www.cayan.net Description Construction of two towers status New Tender tender categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels, Prestige Buildings tender Products Hotel Construction, Residential Buildings

ajman international convention & exhiBition centre Project Budget $100,000,000 Project number WPR1615-U territory Northern Emirates client Ajman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Ajman)

Phone 800 70 / (+971-6) 701 6282 fax (+971-6) 747 1222 emailinfo@ajmanchamber.ae Website www.ajmanchamber.ae Description Construction of exhibition and conference halls, 2 hotels, a shopping mall and a fully integrated health centre Period 2019 status New Tender tender categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels, Leisure & Entertainment, Medical & Healthcare tender Products Hospital Construction, Hotel Construction, Retail Developments

Batterjee healthcare city Project – maKKah Budget $150,000,000 Project number WPR1632-SA territory Jeddah 21444, Saudi Arabia client Batterjee Medical Services (Saudi Arabia) Phone (+966-12) 665 5225 fax (+966-12) 667 8110 Website www.batterjeemedical.com Description Construction of a medical college with capacity of 2,000 students, offering bachelor degree for boys and girls in Medicine and other disciplines of Clinical Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Health Management and Administration, and Nursing Period 2018 status Current Project tender categories Construction & Contracting, Education & Training, Medical & Healthcare tender Products Educational Developments, Hospital Construction

INTEGRATED ESTIMATING, PROJECT CONTROL AND ERP SOLUTION FOR CONTRACTORS www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 346 6456 | info@ccsgulf.com

56 April 2017

The 18th edition of the International Trade Fair for Tools, Hardware, Materials and Machinery

May 22 – 24, 2017 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Be empowered with all the tools of the trade • Power tools • Hand tools • Air tools • Measuring and detection tools • Hydraulic tools • Speciality tools

• Magnetic tools • Building hardware • Consumables • Construction and building materials • Machinery

Pre-register online now! www.hardwaretoolsme.com/register1

Tenders

Middle East tenders UAE enoc toWer Project – DoWntoWn DuBai Budget $75,000,000 Project number WPR1651-U territory Dubai, United Arab Emirates client Emirates National Oil Company Ltd – ENOC (Dubai) Phone (+971-4) 337 4400 fax (+971-4) 313 4402 Website www.enoc.com Description Construction of a commercial building comprising 2 basement levels, 7 podium levels for on-site parking and 34 floors Period 2019 status New Tender tender categories Prestige Buildings tender Products Commercial Buildings, High-rise Towers

tender categories Construction & Contracting tender Products Community Development, Residential Buildings

Oman intercity hotel Project – muscat Budget $30,000,000 Project number WPR1649-O territory Oman client Steigenberger Hotels AG (Germany) address Business Development Lyoner Str Phone (+49-69) 6656 4250 fax (+49-69) 6656 4330 email businessdevelopment@

steigenbergerhotelgroup.com Website www.steigenberger hotelgroup.com Description Construction of a new hotel comprising 285 rooms Period 2018 status New Tender hotel/resort operator Deutsche Hospitality (Germany) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels tender Products Hotel Construction

Qatar

client Al Sawari Holding (Qatar) Description Construction of a 33-storey mixed-use tower comprising residential and hotel apartments Period 2017 status Current Project tender categories Hotels, Prestige Buildings tender Products High-rise Towers, Hotel Construction, Residential Buildings

Kuwait

al seeliya toWer Project – West Bay

assima mixeD-use DeveloPment Project

Project number WPR1607-Q territory Qatar

Project number WPR1580-K territory Safat 13095, Kuwait

resortz resiDential Project Budget $82,000,000 Project number WPR1656-U territory Dubai, United Arab Emirates client Danube Properties (Dubai) address Office 1701, API Trio Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1 Phone (+971-4) 399 8333 fax (+971-4) 399 8222 email enquiry@danubeproperties.ae Website www.danubeproperties.ae Description Development of a low-rise residential scheme comprising a total of 419 apartments, including 25 retail shops.

Period 2019 status New Tender

INTEGRATED ESTIMATING, PROJECT CONTROL AND ERP SOLUTION FOR CONTRACTORS www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 346 6456 | info@ccsgulf.com

58 April 2017

Tenders

client Salhiya Real Estate Company (Kuwait) address Mohammed Thunayan Al-Ghanim Street Phone (+965) 2299 6000 fax (+965) 2299 6304 email info@salhia.com Website www.salhia.com Description Development of a mixed-use scheme comprising a 54-storey tower consisting more than 150 offices, including a hotel and a shopping mall consisting of six levels featuring a mix of brands from contemporary to high-street,

Period 2018 status Current Project tender categories Industrial & Special Projects tender Products Chemical Plants

Lebanon l elite De sursocK toWer Project

including a large hypermarket status Current Project tender categories Hotels, Leisure & Entertainment, Prestige Buildings tender Products Commercial Buildings, High-rise Towers, Hotel Construction, Residential Buildings, Retail Developments

al salam hosPital al ahmaDi Project Project number: WPR1655-K territory Dasman 35151, Kuwait client Al Salam International Hospital (Kuwait) Phone (+965) 183 0003 fax (+965) 2254 0167 email hr@sih-kw.com Website www.sih-kw.com Description Construction of a new hospital comprising 120 beds providing inpatient and outpatient services, covering most of the diagnostic and medical treatment divisions Period 2018 status Current Project tender categories Construction & Contracting, Medical & Healthcare tender Products Hospital Construction

Bahrain hiDD heights Project Project number WPR1579-B territory Manama, Bahrain client Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company (Bahrain) address Business Bay Tower, Bldg. 3232, Road 4654, Block 346, Seef District Phone (+973) 7714 4144 / 1723 4226 fax (+973) 7715 5155 email info@binfaqeeh.com Website www.altaitoon.net Description Construction of a residential building comprising 13 floors offering studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments Period 2017 status Current Project tender categories

Construction & Contracting tender Products Residential Buildings

Project number WPR1600-LE territory Beirut, Lebanon client Capstone Investment Group address 109 Allenby Street, 2nd Floor, Beirut Central District Phone (+961-1) 993 311 fax (+961-1) 993 312 email capstone@capstone-lb.com Website www. capstoneinvestgroup.com Description Construction of a residential tower comprising 28 floors status Current Project tender categories Prestige Buildings tender Products High-rise Towers, Residential Buildings

Egypt urea formalDehyDe Plant Project

terminal 2 exPansion Project – sharm el-sheiKh airPort

Budget $9,000,000 Project number WPR1618-B territory Manama, Bahrain client Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company BSC (Bahrain) address GPIC Complex Bldg 51, 3rd Floor, Street 1401, Umm Al Baid Area Phone (+973) 1773 1777 fax (+973) 1773 1047 email gpic@gpic.com Website www.gpic.com Description Construction of a new facility to produce urea formaldehyde with capacity of 22 metric tons per day.

Project number MPR1535-E territory Cairo 11776, Egypt client Egyptian Airports Company address Airport Road Phone (+20-2) 267 7610/7613 fax (+20-2) 418 2972 Description Carrying out expansion of the terminal at an airport Period 2018 status Current Project tender categories Airport, Construction & Contracting tender Products Airports Development & Management

INTEGRATED ESTIMATING, PROJECT CONTROL AND ERP SOLUTION FOR CONTRACTORS www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 346 6456 | info@ccsgulf.com

April 2017 59

Last Word

Upping the Saudisation drive The Jeep may be an off-road vehicle, but at Riyadh Metro Transit Consultants (RMTC) in Saudi Arabia, JEEP means Saudisation. Bruce J. Edwards, business manager for RMTC and Parsons deputy project manager, explains Saudisation is the national policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that aims to reduce unemployment and bring more Saudis into positions historically held by foreign workers.

To achieve this aim, the Saudi Ministry of Labour has introduced the Nitaqat programme, requiring that foreign-held companies employ a percentage of Saudi nationals on business ventures within the Kingdom (there is a range or zone identified for companies on a case-by-case basis).

RMTC sees this as an extraordinary business opportunity, particularly because many young Saudi nationals are completing their university work and entering the job market. We want to go beyond the government’s Nitaqat and our contractual requirements for Saudisation; we believe we have a

60 April 2017

“The one question that the team was consistently asked was: “Do you offer any additional training that would help me in my career?” This question became the inspiration for our JEEP programme”

moral commitment to actively recruit qualified Saudi nationals.

In the interest of Saudisation, we are working to staff not just engineering positions, but core functions within our management team as well. And it doesn’t stop there. We are going a step further with our Junior Engineer Education Programme (JEEP) to actively recruit new Saudi graduates fresh out of university, invest in their professional development and build a sustainable core competency in rail engineering and management within the Kingdom.

In January 2015, RMTC was meeting the government’s Nitaqat requirements, but our staff was forecast to double in the coming year so we needed an innovative solution to increase the number of Saudis we were bringing aboard. In

May 2015, RMTC was invited to Washington, DC to participate in a Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) event introducing new Saudi graduates (educated in North America) to potential employers in KSA. The one question that the team was consistently asked was: “Do you offer any additional training that would help me in my career?” This question became the inspiration for our JEEP programme.

Our commitment to the ADA has always been to provide on-the-job training and knowledge transfer; however, the team never envisioned the enormous potential success of the training and knowledge transfer process if the focus were directed at fresh graduates. Working with the support of the Arriyadh Development Authority, the RMTC TM team developed plans to

tap this huge potential professional resource of inexperienced graduates.

With the full support, encouragement and approbation of our project leadership team and our client, the ADA, we currently have 55 Saudi nationals in the JEEP programme and a new group started in September 2016.

So, has our innovative idea worked?

Absolutely! RMTC has experienced a 100% increase in professional staff since January 2015, currently employing more than 820 people.

As a result of the JEEP programme, we have improved our Nitaqat percentage by 50% in the same period (and quadrupled the number of Saudi nationals hired for the team). We believe this innovative approach to employing and training fresh Saudi graduates is a roadmap for the future.

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