The Big Project Middle East

APRIL 2011

PLUS hrw’s guggenheim boycott the gcc rail project in full masdar city preview

The Big project qatar supplement

ARCHITECTURE n ENGINEERING n CONSTRUCTION n PMV PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ

PROJECT DEMOCRACY After four months of political revolution, construction professionals explain how the industry will piece the Middle East back together

APRIL

Contents REGULARS

13

Editor’s letter 4

13 News analysis

News bulletin 7

The story behind the proposed artists’ boycott of Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim Museum

Event insider 16

24

Organisers of next month’s Project Qatar exhibition talk about the region’s biggest market

29 Saudi Construction

News in focus 21

34 Project democracy

Etihad Rail announce finalised plans for the GCC-wide rail network

On site 24

41

A virtual tour of the completed Masdar City, courtesy of urban planning software developers Vectuel

Talk 31 Heriot Watt’s director of studies speaks about a new undergraduate degree in architectural engineering

Trends 49 Bathroom suppliers discuss new technology, water conservation and the benefits of regional exhibitions

49

FEATURES

Tenders 69 Diary 73 Your shout 74

News from the region’s largest outdoor exhibition

How political revolution is generating opportunity for the construction industry

41 Duravit design day The official launch of Duravit’s new product range and showroom

45 Project update The latest news on the development of Sandoval Lane and Gardens, Dubai

59 Tekla BIMsight The Building Information Modelling software you can’t afford to miss

61 AIAME Launch The American Institute of Architecture’s new regional chapter

64 Supplier hotseat 67 Career ladder

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Publisher Dominic De Sousa Chief operations officer Nadeem Hood Associate publisher Liam Williams liam@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9158

All change I

f one word sums up recent months it’s change.

The first quarter of 2011 has seen political revolution sweep the region.

Seismic power shifts have drastically changed the political landscape and the dust is far from settled.

Last month we reported on the situation to date and the negative affects the protests have had on the region’s construction industry.

From labourers to CEOs, thousands were evacuated with dozens of firms, and banks, closed for weeks on end.

Suppliers could not source, distribute or pay for materials; foreign offices advised against travel to most of the region and, as a result, it is estimated only 10% of the sector was active in the most volatile territories.

In response to the protests some states offered social security packages to citizens, and physical security forces to their neighbours.

This month’s cover story not only looks in detail at the affects these events have had on the industry, but asks a number of construction firms in the worst affected areas about the opportunities change will bring.

From affordable housing to increased transparency and the hope of less corruption, the overriding sentiment was incredibly positive and after a tough five years, the industry looks poised to

Director business development Alex Bendiouis alex@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9154 GSM: +971 (0)50 458 9204 Editor Melanie Mingas melanie@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9117 GSM: +971 (0)56 758 7834

seize the new opportunities this unique situation will bring.

By now you will have also noticed a change to The Big Project team.

Following the departure of Louise Birchall, I have stepped into the role of editor and after eight incredible months on the magazine I’m looking forward to bringing readers even more regional news, project updates, commentary and analysis — not only in print but also via our soon to be re-launched website.

As part of this new chapter we want to continue building a community for our readers to debate issues, raise questions and source vital information.

There is little doubt change is the zeitgeist, but not everything is different.

The Big Project will continue to bring you the region’s most significant news, stories and project updates, while also providing a platform for your thoughts and comments.

We also want to hear what our readers have to say. So follow us on Twitter, link with us on LinkedIn or simply send me an email with your thoughts and feedback on the magazine.

At the end of the day, this is your magazine and if Q1 2011 has taught us anything, it is that the power lies with the people.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Melanie Mingas Editor

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Assistant editor Christine Fashugba christine@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9118 Senior sales manager Scott Woodall scottwoodall@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9144 GSM: +971 (0)50 557 3677 Business development manager Rhiannon Downie rhiannon@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9152 GSM: +971 (0)50 554 0116 Business development manager Nayab Rafiq nayab@cpidubai.com TEL: +971 (0)4 440 9153 GSM: +971 (0)55 542 6032 Designer/Photographer Marlou Delaben Photographer Cris Mejorada Webmasters Troy Maagma Elizabeth Reyes Jerus King Bation Erik Briones Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC Published by

Head Office PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 440 9100 Fax: +971 (0)4 447 2409 Web: www.thebigprojectme.com © Copyright 2011 CPI. All rights reserved.

While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

Tekla BIMsight will change the way you manage construction projects

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Energy management programme launched by Etisalat and partner Mobile network officially launches energy management services Regional data carrier Etisalat is to diversify into facilties management with a new energy management system, Emirates Energy Star (EES).

EES aims to reduce energy consumption in older buildings by 10-30%, depending on variable factors such as the building’s age and whether it is used for industry, data, or other purposes. The programme officially launched this month in association with Pacific Controls.

Savings are rated with stars; one for each 5% saved, with 30% as the highest potential saving.

Etisalat call it an “effective and interactive” rating service.

“Today worldwide energy consumption is at an all time high and there is immense

DOKA Gulf relocates to new JAFZA base New office and warehouse officially opened in JAFZA

The new facility officially opened in JAFZA last month.

Formwork technology supplier Doka Gulf, has relocated to a larger office and warehouse site to meet a rising demand for products.

Now in a newly constructed facility in the South Zone of Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai, Doka’s new base is almost twice the size of the previous site, at 50,000 square meters. The site how houses the groups’ largest Doka formwork ex-stock in the Middle East as well as Doka’s pre-assembled ‘ready-to-use’ system, with additional product inspection and reconditioning services.

The official launch of Emirates Energy Star.

ecological, social and environmental pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions,” said Abdulla Hashim, senior vice president of business solutions at Etisalat.

Overall, the programme aims to reduce 20% of energy consumed and 20% of the UAE’s carbon footprint by 2015.

Citing social, economic environmental and government participation as primary market drivers for such technology, the company says

“The centralisation of our yard, warehouse and offices in the new Jebel Ali facility will further strengthen Doka Gulf’s customer service capabilities, enabling us to stand behind our product innovations and market leadership for the upcoming years,” said general manager Peter Vogel at the official opening.

Also present were the Austrian Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Julius Lauritsch and Salma Hareb, CEO of Economic Zones World, JAFZA’s parent company. Hareb presented the company with a congratulatory plaque.

“Having worked on projects such as Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa, it is a vibrant and important market for Doka — whose expansion is led by the UAE’s extraordinary opportunities,” Vogel said.

During his address, Dr Julius Lauritsch quoted Austrian export figures, saying exports to the UAE “rebounded strongly in 2010”, increasing 16% to a value of €498 million.

“The UAE is admired for its innovation and speed in complex, large-scale construction and infrastructure projects,” Vogel added.

Doka Gulf has more than 170 employees in the U.A.E. and branch sales and service offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, in addition to the new facility.

Doka Gulf is a subsidiary of Doka Industry GmbH, an international developer and supplier of Formwork, headquartered in Austria.

responsibility for a building’s energy performance is fragmented between owners, operators and tenants, and therefore diluted.

“Being one of the leading telecommunications corporations in the region, Etisalat is leading this initiative from the forefront through the ‘Emirates Energy Star’ programme, in alliance with Pacific Controls,” Hashim added.

“The programme will leverage on green technologies such as M2M, to effectively help reduce the carbon footprint of the country.”

In a presentation to potential investors, delivered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last month, the company said “Emirates Energy Star is an initiative to champion the cause for improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the UAE.” The system involves retrofitting existing building with ICT enabled M2M systems to increase energy efficiency through managing energy services.

Etisalat also said returns on investment with the EES services are rapid.

Deyaar Developments announce 2010 losses Company maintains 2011 will see “healthier balance sheet” Real estate developers Deyaar Development PJSC announced net losses of AED 2305 million for the financial year ending December 2010.

The company attributes the loss to “a consequence of writing down the value of select assets and investments, reflecting 2010’s extremely challenging market conditions”. Values per share for the same period stood at AED0.763.

“As we enter a period of increased stability in the UAE property sector, in line with more positive macroeconomic conditions, Deyaar now looks to 2011 with renewed confidence, as well as with an enduring focus on customer care and service innovation,” said CEO Saeed Al Qatami.

Calling it a” challenging period for the real estate sector”, Deyar says it focused on strengthening “core operations, while also maintaining a conservative approach towards enhanced impairment provisions”.

In February Deyaar announced partnerships with leading UAE based financial institutions to offer competitive financing to clients.

Deyaar maintains it is now positioned to return a “healthier balance sheet” in 2011.

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NEWS | REGIONAL

NEWS BULLETIN

NEWS | REGIONAL

“The innovative concept of this project will greatly appeal to visitors and local residents of the nation that has rightly earned its place as one of the most advanced in the Middle East”

10% cash dividend declared by emaar at the 13th agm held in dubai last month.

Doha Festival City construction to begin this month

ADPC announce new contracts

Project manager and architects appointed to begin development

New developments across western region and contracts worth US$52.4 million

A project rendering of the completed Doha Festival City.

Construction on phase one of Qatar’s multi-billion riyal Doha Festival City complex will begin this month, according to a joint statement by Al-Futtaim Group and the Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB).

The 433,847 square meter retail and hospitality development is designed by DP Architects, with Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) appointed as Project Architects. MACE International are Project Managers and investments are managed by Al-Futtaim Investment Management (AFIM). The project budget stands at QR 6 billion.

According to the statement: “The iconic complex’s futuristic design separates each individual area into its own uniquely identified space that will transport guests from the world of waterslides and roller coasters, into a retail area populated with diverse international brands.”

“This is a dream come true for us and our partners,” Al-Futtaim group vice chair Omar Al Futtaim, said.

“The innovative concept of this project will greatly appeal to visitors and local residents of the nation that has rightly earned its place as one of the most advanced Middle East countries.”

Hailed as a “new phase in the country’s

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economic revolution”, flagship brands confirmed for the complex include Ikea, Centrepoint and Fitness First.

Phase one is due for completion by H2 2012, with phase two scheduled for 2014.

“Doha has a strong diversified financial standing and a rapidly expanding population with high level of disposable income.

This makes it a perfect platform for a versatile complex such as Doha Festival City,” Al Futtaim added.

The development will be located 15km north of central Doha, on one of the arterial routes to the planned Friendship Bridge, linking Qatar with Bahrain.

“Festival City will raise Qatar’s profile as a nation focused on innovation, excellence, and dynamic sustainable development,” QIB chair, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani said.

“This Joint Venture agreement with the Al-Futtaim group demonstrates both parties’ firm commitment to not only enhance Qatar’s development, but amplify its positioning within the regional and global economy.

“Ultimately the agreement is in accordance with QIB’s strategy to fuel the countries expansion and the State of Qatar’s 2030 vision,” Jabr Al Thani added.

Abu Dhabi Ports Company, the firm behind the emirate’s Khalifa Port development has made a string of announcements at the Abu Dhabi World Ports and Trade Summit.

Among the most significant news is the regeneration of five new ports in the western region; Sila, Mugharrag, Marfa, Delma and the marina at Shahama, near Abu Dhabi city.

The Sila Port will open this month with Mugharrag Port following next month. Both will be fully manned to handle commercial cargo with a terminal building, newly installed vessel traffic system (VTS) and radar.

Delma, Marfa and Shahama ports will undergo development by the end of 2011. Shahama Port will see the construction of a commercial recreational marina open to the public.

In addition CEO Tony Douglas signed the third contract to supply cranes for the development of Khalifa Port, since November 2010; total investment in cranes alone now stands at US$192.64 million.

The contract with Shanghai-based company Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC) was signed by Douglas and ZPMC deputy chief commercial officer Chen Weiping , at the Abu Dhabi World Ports and Trade Summit.

ZPMC will supply six super post panamax ship-to-shore container cranes for Khalifa Port.

The cranes will be delivered in two batches of three units each. The first will arrive in Q1 2012 and be fully operational

by Q2 2012.

Previous contracts were signed with Konecranes Finland Corporation and Terex.

It has also been announced ADPC has signed a MoU with the Virginia Port Authority, to share knowledge on the expansion and operations of commercial ports.

ABOVE: L-R Chen Weiping , Deputy Chief Commercial Engineer of ZPMC and Tony Douglas , CEO of ADPC.

losses posted by real estate developers Deyaar PJSC

Etihad Rail reveal finalised plans for GCC network Proposed rail network officially reaches “actual execution” stage The company formed under mandate by the government of Abu Dhabi in 2009, has unveiled a new name and brand identity and confirmed its intentions for the GCC-wide rail network.

During a press conference in Abu Dhabi last month, master developers Etihad Rail

“The project will contribute to the evolution of the UAE’s economic sector and transport infrastructure and, as a result, the investment atmosphere” confirmed the first of three phases of the US$10.9 billion GCC network rail network will be completed in 2013; transporting cargo between Habshan and Ruwais.

Extended cargo services, including a line to Shah, are expected by the end of 2014, with all three phases, including the passenger network, due for completion by 2017.

Speaking at the announcement, Etihad CEO Richard Bowker said: “This project has now become a reality and I am pleased to announce that it has moved from the planning stage to actual execution. The project will contribute to the evolution of the UAE’s economic sector, transport infrastructure and, as a result the investment atmosphere.”

For more information on the project, turn to News in Focus, page 19.

ABOVE: L-R Shadi Malak (Executive Director – Commercial and Richard Bowker (CEO).

Emaar declare 10% cash dividend Retail and hospitality subsidiaries contribute greatest share as total assets reach US$17 billion Property developer Emaar Properties PJSC has declared a 10% cash dividend.

The announcement was made during the company’s 13th AGM last month and attributed to Emaar’s shopping malls and retail and hospitality subsidiaries, which contributed a combined 24% towards to the revenues.

Shopping mall and retail revenues stood at US$517 million and hospitality revenues approximately $272 million.

It was also said that via links to Saudi Arabia, the network would eventually reach both Europe and Asia.

Etihad announced designs for the second and third phases of the project, with construction due to begin during the second half of 2012.

In recent months the company — formerly known as Union Rail — has issued tenders for the rolling stock and civil track works.

The first three contracts are currently out to tender, with the largest of these contracts for earth works, civil works and the track system.

According to Bowker, the diesel-powered trains will be “future proof” in design, with provision to be fully electrified as the country’s power infrastructure is strengthened and more renewable energy is generated.

Financing for the project has yet to be finalised, with Etihad Rail currently seeking advice from UBS AG. Bowker told reporters at the press conference that PPP would not be viable at this time, due to the strict completion timelines in force.

All financing options will be presented to the board as part of the decision process.

“The Etihad Rail network is one of the country’s most significant strategic projects,” said Etihad Rail vice chair, Mattar Al Tayer.

“It will contribute to the environmental sustainability, economic growth and social development of the UAE.”

Among Emaar’s highlights for 2010, were the inauguration of the Burj Khalifa, and the $500 million convertible bond offerings in September 2010 and January 2011.

Other news from the company included the appointment of Deloitte as auditors for 2011 and the approval of members of the board to continue in their real estate activities.

Emaar has total assets of $17 billion, of which international assets are valued at $6.12 billion.

In 2010, Emaar recorded a net operating profit of $826 million; 31% higher than the net operating profit of $633 million the company recorded in 2009.

Annual revenue for 2010 stood at $3.308 billion, 44% higher than 2009.

Revenue from international operations accounted for $265 million, equating nearly 8% of the total.

Emaar’s flagship development The Burj Khalifa.

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XXXXXXXX NEWS | REGIONAL | XXXXXXXXXX

AED2305

NEWS | REGIONAL

$200m

“The Etihad Rail network is one of the country’s most significant strategic projects”

value of the uae market for imported malaysian timber

UAE’s Malaysian timber market strongest in the region National import market more lucrative than Saudi Arabia The UAE is leading demand for Malaysian timber products in the Middle East.

With a market worth US$200 million, UAE demand for sawn timber, native Malaysian Meranti, MDF and finished furniture products is more than twice that of Saudi Arabia, whose market is valued at $80.5 million.

The figures, produced by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) for total trade in 2010, indicate a positive trend for both Malaysian exports and the recovering industry in the Middle East.

“We are very fortunate as our bilateral trade is very strong in most cases,” said council director Khairul Anwar.

“In terms of trade and at a government level there are no trade barriers that we know of,” Anwar continued.

Other key markets are named as: Yemen worth $70.4 million, and Jordan $54.88 million.

“We place great importance in growing the skills of their people through training, support and vocational opportunities”

20% potential carbon reduction made in the UAE through energy monitoring

A report from 2007 shows exports of fiberboard to the UAE were higher than those to China.

“Malaysia produces a lot of native species like Meranti, used for its manageability and durability. We also have strong trade in furniture products, which are well recognised for their strength and value for money. This market is very price sensitive but we have the advantage of being perceived as in between the luxury products of Italy and lower quality products of China,” Anwar added.

The top five Malaysian species exported worldwide are: Balau, Kapur, Red Meranti, Kempas and Keruing. Demand is so strong, the council reports Malaysian authorities have plans to increase production to prevent short supply, with the council currently promoting new species in the region.

Despite the positive growth, the council still cites fluctuations in currency rates between the Malaysian ringgit and the US dollar; inconsistent supply and regional instability as challenging trade ties.

The council was formed in 1992, opening an office in Dubai in 1999 to foster trade ties between Malaysian exporters and locally based designers and contractors. The council’s network comprises five association members, each with 150 trade members.

Siemens‘ centre of excellence Technology provider to found research facility with Saudi Aramco

Saudi Arabia’s job market will receive a boost from the opening of an engineering “centre of excellence”, based in the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran.

Announced last month, the 7623 square metre facility will be located in the Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) in the Eastern Province, training both local students and those already active in the industry.

Research and design projects will offer investment opportunities in energy efficient concepts for oil and gas, fuel flexibility concepts for gaseous and liquid fuels, gas turbine technology, renewable energy, advanced water treatment and green technologies.

“The initiative is a further step in building Siemens’ overall commitment in Saudi Arabia,” said Siemens energy sector CEO, Wolfgang Dehen.

“We place great importance in growing the skills of our people through training, support and vocational opportunities, and will strive to add extra value to the

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The body is also partnered with the FSC and Malaysian timber Certification Council for sustainability certification.

The council and a selection of their trade members will be exhibiting at the International Wood and Machinery Show from April 5-7 at Dubai Airport Expo.

Khairul Anwar MTC Director

world class programs already being implemented by the King Fahd university.

“Siemens is a global technology leader with strong local roots in the region and a has high interest in identifying and utilizing local talents for all fields of business and R&D we operate in,” Dehen continued.

Dr. Khaled Al-Sultan, rector and CEO of KFUPM is quoted as saying the centre will play “an important role in technology transfer among local workers.”

Siemens, currently employing close to 2000 personnel in Saudi Arabia, has been present in the Kingdom for more than 75 years.

Wolfgang Dehen, CEO of Energy Sector, Siemens and Dr. Khaled AlSultan, Rector and CEO of KFUPM after the signing ceremony.

NEWS ANALYSIS | workers’ rights LEFT: An impression of the completed Guggenheim Musem, Saadiyat Island.

Artists take a stand on workers’ rights A petition for the improvement of workers’ rights has re-opened an age-old debate about fair conditions in the construction industry

O

n March 16, a petition by Human Rights Watch was presented to Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) and The Guggenheim Foundation, alleging violations of workers’ rights and demanding immediate change on the site of the US $800 million Guggenheim Museum, on Saadiyat Island.

The petition stipulates the need for a “reputable independent monitor” to visit the Saadiyat

Nick Mcgeehan director of UAE-based Mafiwasta.

“A workforce that is paid fairly and treated with dignity poses no threat, economic or otherwise, to the construction industry”

Island site and publish reports — “contractual guarantees” for the fair treatment of workers at the site were also requested.

At the time of going to press, more than 130 artists had signed the document; threatening to boycott the landmark museum due to claims of a “cycle of abuse that leaves migrant workers deeply indebted, badly paid and unable to stand up for their rights or even quit their jobs”.

The petition is based on a 2009 report published by Human Rights Watch (HRW), claiming south Asian workers on Saadiyat Island were subjected to “severe exploitation and abuse bordering on forced labour”.

While the TDIC and The Guggenheim Foundation maintain the report pre-dates the measures they have implemented over the last two years, there are still calls for a dedicated Saadiyat Island regulatory body, and further changes to the industry world-wide.

“You can find workers suffering the same rights violations anywhere in the UAE, in fact our work clearly states these issues are widespread throughout all the emirates,” says HRW’s Middle East division spokesperson Priyanka Motaparthy.

“We focused on Saadiyat because we felt we had a chance of achieving impact, since it is a project the international community has more interest in. The artists’ actions draw the attention of a new audience, one that might not typically follow the Middle East, or the issues workers face there,” Motaparthy adds.

An excerpt of the petition addressed to Richard Armstrong, director of the Guggenheim Foundation We urge the Foundation and TDIC to conform rigorously to the various commitments made in the TDIC’s Employment Practices Policy, June 2010; the TDIC/Guggenheim Statement of Shared Values, published September 22 2010; and the recent EPP update, amended March 11th, 2011.

Moreover, we urge the Foundation and TDIC to address the current absence of independent monitoring of employers’ compliance with international human rights and labour laws, and the lack of an effective enforcement mechanism.

Our cooperation with the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi and other locations will not be forthcoming if the Foundation fails to take steps to safeguard the rights of the workers who will be employed in the museum’s operations on Saadiyat Island.

Human Rights Watch will determine if and when adequate monitoring measures have been established and effectively implemented.

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NEWS ANALYSIS | workers’ rights

“No one should be asked to exhibit or perform in a building that has been constructed and maintained on the backs of exploited employees”

Part of the petition reads: “Violations, which threaten to sully the Guggenheim’s reputation, present a serious moral challenge to those who may be asked to work with the museum. No one should be asked to exhibit or perform in a building that has been constructed and maintained on the backs of exploited employees.”

While legislation exists, NGOs are continually vocal on the topic, and the issue continues to haunt the industry — particularly in terms of perceptions from overseas.

“We hope that other companies will see TDIC and its Saadiyat Island partners raising standards and actually following the laws intended to protect workers’ rights — laws that currently are not widely implemented,” Motaparthy adds.

Last year, New York University demanded all companies involved in the construction of its new campus, also on Saadiyat Island, adhered to a number of regulations concerning working hours, pay and the retention of passports and other travel and insurance documents.

The Bigger Picture

While some in the industry cite economic hierarchies within organisations and global economic conditions as justification for the alleged mis-treatment of workers, pro-rights groups do not agree.

Some allegations against the wider industry include poor pay and conditions, imposed debts, customary confiscation of travel documents and the denial of basic rights; compounded and perpetuated by a lack of enforcement regarding existing regulations.

“It is this control which has created the abuse and exploitation which threatens to do serious and long-lasting damage to the Gulf’s reputation,” says Nick McGeehan, director of migrant workers’ rights organisation, Mafiwasta.

The majority of construction workers are employed via recruitment days, held across the Indian Subcontinent.

Those wanting to work for the Middle East’s major contractors are asked to complete tasks such as building small walls.

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Yet according to one source, returning workers have relayed such negative accounts of their experiences, some prospective labourers now refuse to attend the recruitment days held by some of the largest contractors.

“The construction industry would benefit hugely from raising standards in living and working conditions for its workers. A workforce that is paid fairly and treated with dignity poses no threat, economic or otherwise, to the construction industry, yet an unhappy workforce, treated inhumanely, poses a severe threat to the well-being of the sector,” Mafiwasta adds.

Demanding change

The responsibility of worker’s welfare in this project is shared between the TDIC and Guggenheim Foundation, who in response to the allegations, issued a joint statement on March 17.

The statement (see box) claims a “deep commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of employees at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum site”, and details an inspection-style visit from foundation and museum director Richard Armstrong, last autumn.

The workers’ accommodation, built by TDIC and located on Saadiyat Island, is said to have set a high standard for similar accommodation region-wide.

However, HRW maintains the “robust, independent monitoring programme” jointly pledged by both organisations has yet to materialise. The programme was due in the early stages of construction; following the petition it is now scheduled to be established this May. TDIC’s joint statement says these claims “pre-date” their own announcements regarding the establishment of a monitoring body. TDIC call the petition “misinformed”, maintaining that steps have been taken with regards to recruitment fees, wages, health insurance accommodation and retaining passports.

The Guggenheim Foundation say: “The Foundation is firmly committed to working to protect workers’ rights on the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum site.

“Very important steps have been taken over the past six months that demonstrate this commitment.”

“TDIC may offer workers benefits that go beyond the requirements of local UAE law, however they don’t protect all of the rights workers as guaranteed under international human rights and labour law,” says Motaparthy.

“For example, the freedom of association, including the freedom to form trade unions, and the right to collective bargaining is one of the four core labour rights set by the International Labour Organization, yet TDIC does not protect this right for workers on Saadiyat Island,” Motaparthy adds.

“It’s an important stand these artists are taking,” asserts McGeehan, adding: “It says to policy-makers and business leaders in the region that the presence of global brands and institutions, such as The Guggenheim Foundation, must be accompanied with a basic standard of rights for workers.

“The commendable actions of the artists puts this issue centre stage, where it belongs.”

Highlights from the joint response issued by the Guggenheim Foundation and TDIC Accommodation: Workers live at the Saadiyat Island Construction Village, described as: “spacious, comfortable, clean and climate controlled living” Contact Centre: A confidential service exists for workers to obtain information and report grievances.

Wages: All “wages, benefits and dues” are to be paid electronically “at least once a month”.

Working hours: The maximum working hours will not exceed eight hours a day, under UAE labour laws.

Recruitment fees: Only the contractor is liable for recruitment expenses and workers must be reimbursed for any costs incurred.

Annual leave: All workers are entitled to 30 calendar days paid annual leave, with round trip costs from the UAE to a worker’s home country covered by the contractor every two years.

COMMENT | REAL ESTATE

EVENT XXXXXXXX INSIDER| XXXXXXXXXX | PROJECT QATAR

EVENT INSIDER: Project Qatar Now in its eighth year, the international construction technology and building materials exhibition, Project Qatar, will take place from May 2-5 in Doha

S

ince its inception in 2004, Project Qatar has represented the largest and most important business generating trade event in the country, annually attracting the leading exporters and manufacturers of construction products, equipment, and related technologies.

“Qatar is currently witnessing unprecedented growth and development, making Project Qatar an ideal platform to assess the present scenario and explore various

“Participants of Project Qatar can leverage the excellent networking platform that the event presents and get a deeper insight into Qatar’s rapidly growing construction industry” 16 | www.thebigprojectme.com

George Ayache, general manager, IFP Qatar.

opportunities in the construction domain,” says George Ayache general manager, IFP Qatar.

Those exploring the opportunities include architects, engineers, interior designers, project owners, contractors, manufacturers, planners

and distributors, visiting the stands of more than 1700 exhibitors.

New features for 2011 include the addition of 45 national pavilions, with the largest of these showcasing products and services from the UAE, Germany, Turkey, France and China.

Yet according to the Ayache, the strength in Qatar’s market isn’t solely pegged on a successful World Cup bid.

“The remarkable pace of growth being witnessed in Qatar recently should not come as a surprise, given the country’s strong fundamentals and visionary leadership,” he asserts.

“Qatar boasts the second highest GDP per capita in the world; its proved reserves of natural gas account for about 14% of the global total.

Oil and gas alone contribute to more than 50 % of GDP, 85% per cent of export earnings and 70% of government revenues.These factors have resulted in tremendous economic growth over the last decade, making Qatar one of the world’s fastest growing countries,” he adds.

News

40,000 projected visitor numbers for project qatar 2011; an increase of almost eight thousand compared to the official figures for 2010

Visitors at Project Qatar 2010. This year is the eighth edition of the show, to be held in Doha May 2-5.

Gold Rush

Although the construction and real estate sectors demonstrate continued strength, even during the financial crisis of 2008, the show’s organisers say that since the announcement of the successful bid, Qatar is a “new place”.

The country is expected to become “the biggest construction site in the region”.

Investments of US $100 billion are planned for the next 12 years; $4 billion of which is allocated to stadium budgets, with nine already designed for potential investment.

In addition, the industry is also chasing a rumoured $86.5 billion worth of infrastructure developments; government investment of $17 billion in tourism-related projects; $13 billion in airport projects and $5.5 billion for a deep water seaport, among other projects.

“Most of the participants at the previous edition of Project Qatar were highly optimistic about Qatar’s chances of winning the bid to host the 2022 World Cup, given the country’s strong economic growth, excellent infrastructure and visionary leadership,” Ayache recalls.

“With Qatar winning the bid to host the games, the local construction sector has been

further energised, and infrastructure investments worth billions of dollars have been outlined by the government,” he observes.

Some of the developments already underway include the $9 billion man-made Pearl Qatar island, the Qatar Science and Technology park and Lusail Entertainment City.

“Becoming a leading trading hub in the region with billions of dollars being poured into intensive infrastructure and construction development, ongoing mega projects are set to rapidly establish the country as the most promising and significant business area in the Middle East,” he continues.

Showtime

Demonstrating the cross — sector support Project Qatar attracts, show sponsors include diamond sponsor Orwood, a Syrian door manufacturer; gold sponsor and fire protection specialist Naffco; and silver sponsors HBK Holding and Abou Issa Holding.

The 2010 exhibition was attended by 32,463 trade visitors from around the world. This year more than 40,000 visitors are expected; the highest visitor frequency ever seen at the show,

EVENT INSIDER | PROJECT QATAR

“The remarkable pace of growth being witnessed in Qatar recently should not come as a surprise, given the country’s strong fundamentals and visionary leadership“

with each attendee and exhibitor chasing the unique opportunities that will arise over the coming decade.

This year’s show is expected to be so successful an extension of 30,600 square meters has been built to accommodate demand.

Qatar’s focus on sustainability will also be reinforced at the Project Qatar exhibition, which is held in conjunction with the Qatar Sustainability Conference.

“Participants of Project Qatar can leverage the excellent networking platform the event presents and get a deeper insight into Qatar’s rapidly growing construction industry.

“In the past, the event has given exhibitors the opportunity to expand their reach in the high potential markets of Qatar and other GCC countries and we expect the same at the 2011 edition as well,” Ayache concludes.

Visit The Big Project at Project Qatar, May 2-5, in the main exhibition hall.

The most significant investments planned for the next 12 years $100 billion minimum total for a range of projects that will be completed in time for the 2022 World Cup $4 billion allocated to stadiums; nine of which are already designed and ready for potential investment $86.5 billion in infrastructure projects $17 billion in government funded tourism-related developments $13 billion for airport projects $5.5 billion for a deep water seaport

www.thebigprojectme.com | 17

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VALUATIONS: Job Modelling, Sub-contract control and payment, Monthly valuations, Analytical variations pricing, Allowable vs Cost reconciliation, Engineering information, Cost to complete by cost rate resources and cost worksheets, External Cost import for cost vs allowable reconciliation and cost at completion FORECASTING: Integrate the Bill of Quantities with the Program, Forecast the bill and resources, Summarise into Project Codes ( With, What & Where), Forecast summary cost codes ( When), Base forecast, Monthly allowable, Collect costs, Forecast allowable and costs PLANNING: Critical path planning, Resourcing, Organising, Progress, Information schedules, Integrate schedule with the Estimate, Time/ location CASH FLOW: Payments, Receipts, Nett Present Value, Currencies and exchange rates, Integration with the Bill and Program

NEWS IN FOCUS | gcc rail network

Right on track As tenders are issued for the first phase of the UAE’s national rail network, The Big Project speaks to Etihad Rail CEO Richard Bowker about putting the country’s latest megaproject on track

L

ast month, Etihad Rail issued tenders for both the rolling stock and civil and track works for the first phase of the UAE’s newest infrastructure mega project.

A 1200km, mixed traffic network, requiring

ABOVE: Etihad Rail CEO, Richard Bowker.

estimated total investment of US$10.9 billion (AED40 billion), the three-phase project not only signals another first for the UAE, but upon completion is planned to link the entire GCC. More than 20 pre-qualified consortia received the tender release on March 1; comprising project design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.

Construction of the Shah Habshan Ruwais line is due to begin this year, with Phase 1 due for completion in 2013.

The network will be predominantly double track; designed for mixed traffic and equipped with an in-cab European signalling system (ETCS level 2).

Completion of the UAE network will be phased, with freight trains carrying sulphur, steel and cement, by 2013 and passengers by 2017. The network will form a “vital” part of the planned GCC-wide railway, linking the UAE to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. In future, via the Saudi Arabia line it will also link to Europe and Asia.

RAILWAY FACTS

COST Total investment is estimated around AED 40 billion (for the core national mixed traffic network).

DELIVERY Multiple phases with the first commercial service to start in 2013.

LENGTH Network is estimated to extend up to 1,200 km.

NETWORK Connects all the emirates, eventually linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west, and Oman via Al Ain in the east.

ENERGY The mixed traffic network will be operated by diesel trains, with provision for electrification in the future.

SPEED Freight trains at speeds of up to 120 km/h; passenger trains up to 200 km/h; GOODS Will carry bulk freight (quarry products, steel, cement and sulphur etc.), and containers for general freight.

www.thebigprojectme.com | 21

REGIONAL NEWS IN FOCUS NEWS| |gcc CITYSCAPE rail network Trains will run on Diesel, with “provision for electrification” in the future.

Etihad Rail say that, once complete, the network will “redefine logistics and transport in the region, providing as a safe, efficient, sustainable network that links all corners of the UAE, and eventually, the UAE to the wider GCC.”

All aboard

Reports over recent weeks have speculated that two Korean firms meeting bid qualifications are favoured to win a contract. Officials at the Dubai-based KOTRA Business Centre claim doubts have been raised regarding the safety of “cheap” Chinese contractors who have also placed bids.

The speculation has been fuelled in part by former Union chairman H.E. Hussain J. Al Nowais’s recent trips to Australia and Korea to “learn from best practice and experience in railway businesses from around the world”, according to reports.

Asserting that Etihad receives a “very high level of interest” for every Expression of Interest issued, CEO Richard Bowker, says: “Companies showing interest come from all over the world.

The technology will not be based on that of one single country.

"Best practices from various countries will be referred to in order to match the functions of the network.

“For instance, the signalling will be based on the latest European Systems and the heavy freight trains are likely to reflect the designs and operation principles for North America and Australia,” he adds.

22 | www.thebigprojectme.com

Development and operation

Commenting on the pace of the projecBowker says: “Etihad Rail was formed in 2009, by mid-2011 we are going to start on the physical construction of the Shah Habshan Ruwais line. Considering the level of details and infrastructure over the 1200km network, this pace is tremendous.”

The former chief of British transport group National Express, Bowker has also worked for London Underground and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Rail; at one point holding the position of group commercial director responsibile for transport. He was awarded a CBE by HM Queen Elizabeth in 2005, for services to the railway industry.

In 2009 Bowker was appointed CEO of Etihad Rail, formerly Union Rail, a company created by the Federal Government of the UAE to realise plans set out by Abu Dhabi’s ministry of economy in 2006.

Etihad has a mandate to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE’s national railway.

“The UAE is a country which has grown at a rapid rate,” Bowker says when asked how the UAE has achieved exponential growth without a nation-wide transport network.

“Solutions that were appropriate at the time need to be enhanced to form a modern network, taking into consideration the environment and predicted rate of rapid development.”

Richard Bowker is scheduled to speak at Cityscape Abu Dhabi. Held April 18, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Linking the GCC Saudi Arabia The Kingdom is spending an estimated US $25 billion on an additional 3900km of track for three major projects.

Bahrain Part of the Friendship bridge plans, to link Bahrain and Qatar, the state was said to be studying plans for a 184km, $8 billion network.

Oman Expected to be completed in 2017, Oman’s 500km network will connect ports, airports and freezones, with further plans for a passenger network and metro.

Kuwait Plans for a network costing $11 billion include a metro system in Kuwait City and a 245km link between national ports and seaports; Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Yemen Infrastructure upgrades announced in 2010 included a $3.5 billion, 2500km railway between the country's border with Saudi Arabia and the coast.

ON SITE | MASDAR CITY, ABU DHABI

Virtual reality This month, The Big Project goes on site with a virtual tour of Masdar City, 14 years ahead of its scheduled completion

I ABOVE: Vectuel’s Caroline Tasse.

“Whatever the urban strategies implemented by the governments are, the need to understand and exchange information is essential” 24 | www.thebigprojectme.com

n the year 2000, architecture student Gregory Morlet had an idea. While working on his final assessment, Morlet realised the ideal method to communicate his designs would be to create a world in which they could exist, before being built.

Inspired by a passion for video games, Morlet created a virtual environment in which his audience could view his project with total freedom of movement and perspective.

The idea was a success and after graduation Morlet developed the platform further.

In 2003 he founded Vectuel, a company which today provides an urban design virtual simulator in real time, VectuelStory .

At the World Future Energy Summit, held in January 2010, the interactive solution also known as VStory, was used to bring the world an exclusive preview of Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City; the world’s first zero carbon city, currently

under construction and scheduled for completion in 2025.

Bringing each project to life, VStory communicates all existing and future elements of an urban environment, going as far as to simulate animations such as people, vegetation, traffic and even climatic conditions.

Carrying less data than BIM modelling but more details of the surrounding environment, the virtual solution provides the dual functions of architectural and urban visualisation, for all project collaborators.

Taking four months to produce, the Masdar virtual simulator mapped every aspect of the project, from the underground water pipes, to the interiors of the Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) stations.

The tool allows interaction with every element; from the architectural environment within or from above and additional options to

News FAR LEFT: A view of the completed city.

RIGHT: The programme gives users the option of a bird’s eye or street level view.

view the project’s utility infrastructure in addition to an overview of how each completed phase will look, step by step.

By modelling the project in an interactive environment, VStory facilitates the production of “large scale, three dimensional models in photo-realistic way or design way, enabling the requirements of decision-making and communication of architectures within urbanism projects”, says the company.

“Our 3D virtual models also integrate the notion of 4D — ­ time criteria — which aims to visualize an environment before and after the insertion of future architecture projects,” explains Vectuel’s Middle East branch manager, Caroline Tasse.

“Thus, we can follow the evolution of a new area and also answer questions about its progress, such as what will this place look like in three, five or 10 years?” She adds.

City of the future

Billed as the “city of the future”, Masdar is a 6km2 development located 17km from UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

Creating a community of approximately 40,000 residents, 50,000 commuters, hundreds of businesses and a number of research institutions, details such as the integration of the PRT system, renewable energy plants (including 88,000 photo voltaic solar panels) and sustainable technologies have all been mapped virtually using VStory.

“This is a long-term tool which follows the life cycle of a project,” Tasse says.

“Firstly it is a work tool; it enables users to simulate, visualise and assess a project in the purpose of validation.

“The second role of 3D interactivity is communication and sales promotion. Easily displayed online, in a showroom and during an

XXXXXXXX ON SITE | MASDAR | XXXXXXXXXX CITY, ABU DHABI

“We can follow the evolution of a new area and answer questions about the project progress: what will this place look like in three, five or 10 years?”

exhibition, everybody can discover the future of Masdar City,” she continues.

In contrast to other urban planning models used in many Middle East cities, the aim of Masdar City is to create a fully pedestrianised, liveable space, where residents can walk around naturally shaded streets.

Part of the emirate’s Vision 2030 plans, Masdar CEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, says the city is a demonstration of the sustainable construction ethics enshrined in the Estidama Pearl Rating system.

In addition to using renewable energy sources generated in purpose built facilities, the city will also promote the recycling and reuse of waste, including water. Further to these elements, sustainable materials will be used in the construction; with more than 1800 square metres of sustainably certified timber already sourced for use. In addition, the resulting buildings will require half the UAE average in power used for cooling.

The first six buildings came into use in September 2010; the one million meter squared Phase 1, comprising the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, is scheduled for completion by 2015.

With five phases in total, it is expected the city will be fully completed by 2025.

According to project director Alan Frost, “it is about pushing the frontiers of science, engineering and technology”.

“The city stakeholders have a strong need for visualising the master plan before commencement of works and identifying mistakes ‘virtually’ in order to rectify them,” adds Tasse.

“By testing different options this way, we can

Masdar in numbers 5 phases of development 1 million m2 the area of Phase one 40,000 people projected to occupy residential areas 2025 Scheduled completion of Masdar City

www.thebigprojectme.com | 25

ON SITE | MASDAR CITY, ABU DHABI

“By testing different options virtually, they will produce a first-class development without supporting the cost of real construction mistakes”

VStory allows the development to be viewed phase by phase. produce a first-class development without supporting the cost of real construction mistakes,” she comments.

“Whatever the urban strategies implemented by the governments are, the need to understand and exchange information is essential, to enable a sustainable urban design and plan, dedicated to a better quality of life for citizens.”

The third dimension

After seven years of operations in Europe, Vectuel Middle East opened a branch in the UAE in 2009 In addition to Masdar City, Vectuel’s virtual simulator has also been used in a number of large scale projects in the UAE for Fujairah Municipality, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Oger International, in addition to town centre and transport projects in Europe.

The company is now looking at further potential applications in the Middle East, with an aim to establish a presence in every GCC country in 2011.

“The 3D technologies and expertise we have developed aim to support major urbanisation

26 | www.thebigprojectme.com

and architecture projects at each stage of their development; from the design to the support of decision-makers in the project promotion,” Tasse continues.

In the first instance, Vectuel creates a virtual representation of what already exists, then uses this information to build a model of the project.

Facilitating didactic interaction, whereby users can learn about the project from a unique perspective, the planning also encompasses environmental aspects such as traffic, weather and the overall impact of the project on its surroundings.

In addition to allowing project collaborators an exclusive insight, the software can also be used to present to audiences who may invest or be concerned with the completed development.

“Here in the UAE, 3D interactivity is a relevant tool for architects to introduce projects towards various sections of the public who often are not experts in architecture, urbanism, or geographic information.

“Facing the redesign of master plans and implementation of new transport systems,the whole challenge cities face in the UAE and other countries in the region today is the need

ABOVE: Map of the underground utilities. to acquire tools to lead this change,” Tasse says.

“Consequently, the main focus is on understanding the existing environment in order to keep developing.”

How VStory can be used • • • • • • •

Simulation of the different stages before and after a project Simulation of demolition and rebuilding simulations Simulation of road traffic Weather condition simulation Simulation by daylight and by night Sound impact simulation Insertion of explanatory elements in text or video format

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Saudi Construction Show

The Saudi Construction Show

The Saudi Construction Show, held in Riyadh last month, was the Kingdom’s first and largest outdoor construction exhibition to date, with big brands selling equipment worth SR1 billion

O

ne market that has proven to be continually robust is Saudi Arabia’s. Currently the largest construction market in the region, official figures estimate its value will reach US$63 billion by 2012.

From March 21-25, the biggest international brands including JCB, Saudi Diesel Equipment, Rolaco, Kanoo and Zahid Tractor took over a 40,000 square meter combined indoor and outdoor exhibition space to tap the opportunities such a lucrative market brings.Over the course of the week they sold equipment worth SR1 billion.

Commenting that he had received congratulatory messages from visitors and exhibitors alike, marketing director Raz Islam commented: “One exhibitor sold so many machines the forecourt was like a showroom.”

“Every time anybody does an exhibition in Riyadh they have to go through the exhibitions centre.

When we approached the government for a licence there was no

process in place as nobody has ever done a show on this scale before. I think that, in my opinion, that’s why the show was a success,” he commented.

The Saudi Construction Show was licensed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the exhibition located at Khurais and Sheikh Jaber Road.

Terex Middle East had their most successful event to date in the region as an exhibitor, signing deals worth more than €6million.

Another element of the success was that the show was built to demand. Islam’s market research over the last year indicated the total value of construction contracts and projects in 2011 to be worth almost SR322 billion.

“Over all for year one we are very happy and we would like to say thank you to everyone who supported us. We hope improve and do something bigger and better next year,” Islam said.

“One exhibitor sold so many machines the forecourt was like a showroom” 28 | www.thebigprojectme.com

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Come and see us at Project Qatar on stand P8a in Hall 1 or contact us on email: MEmarketing@causeway.com

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30 | www.thebigprojectme.com

XXXXXXXX TALK| EDUCATING | XXXXXXXXXX THE NEXT GENERATION

ABOVE AND BELOW: Heriot Watt’s students from other construction programmes.

Learning to respond

This September, Heriot Watt University in Dubai will launch the region’s first architectural engineering undergraduate degree.

The Big Project speaks to academic head and director of studies, Dr Olisanwendu Ogwuda ABOVE: Academic head and director of studies, Dr Olisanwendu Ogwuda.

“This will be the generation that builds realising that you cannot just build for the sake of it”

A

s construction design disciplines continue to evolve so too does the demand for smart, responsive, structures.

According to those in the industry, the creation of such structures will depend on the training provided for the next generation of designers, developers and engineers.

This September, the Dubai-based campus of Heriot Watt University, will launch the region’s first course in architectural engineering (AE) ; designed to meet both demand from within the industry and amongst prospective students.

“We have looked at what has been happening in the market, particularly with green building technologies and the way things are

developing,” says academic head and director of studies, Dr Olisanwendu Ogwuda.

Speaking of the “future leaders of tomorrow”, Ogwuda adds: “In the past two to three years we have looked at developing a programme that will meet the current and future needs of the green building community.”

As a discipline, architectural engineering encompasses all the services associated with the built environment, including performance of buildings, designs for acceptable indoor environments, lighting and water supply and disposal and re-use of waste.

The four year programme incorporates three principles: the architectural design of buildings

www.thebigprojectme.com | 31

TALK | EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION

”In the past two to three years we have looked at developing a programme that will meet the current and future needs of the green building community” and engineering systems; energy and sustainability; and human behaviour. According to the institution, it’s the first course of its kind in the region, educating students to standards equivalent to those of a British university degree.

Based on a cycle of eight modules each academic year, the course addresses a skills gap in the Middle East, which has caused an increasing demand for engineers who can provide “multi-disciplinary skills at the interface of engineering and architecture”.

“We are actually training the next generation of engineers who will be educated to design a building to energy efficient standards, taking into account the needs of the occupants.

“The programme addresses the current and future issues that will need to be considered on a global scale; essentially how we will adapt to climate change.”

Future leaders

Ogwuda says the enthusiasm he sees when speaking with prospective students confirms there is a momentum for change among the next generation of construction professionals.

“Students’ eyes light up when you visit their schools to talk about the programme; for them to see that these courses are on offer and that they can actually get into a programme like this and do something great in their careers, is very exciting for them.”

Explaining that the course is unique, he adds: “Within the industry there are a lot of people at the ends of their careers who do not consider the aspects of architectural engineering in their designs. Industry needs young graduates who can come into the profession and bring this vital knowledge with them.”

The syllabus was developed by Ogwuda, in collaboration with colleagues at Heriot’s Edinburgh campus, based in Scotland.

Building smart

With a career spanning four decades and four continents, Ogwuda is well positioned to equip this next generation of engineers with the skills they need to contribute to the continued evolution of the industry.

“Compared to the UK, the community here is still developing. Mistakes are made in the design of both buildings and infrastructure in terms of energy efficiency and planning the re-use of materials when the building reaches the end of its current lifecycle.”

Ogwuda’s career began in 1987 in Nigeria

32 | www.thebigprojectme.com

where he worked as a civil engineer for Framec Engineering Ltd. He has a PhD in sustainable construction and has spent the last 16 years sharing his knowledge in the classroom.

In 2009 Ogwuda moved to Dubai to establish Herriot Watt’s engineering programme.

He has also contributed to industry and media publications, covering such topics as the disposal and re-use of construction waste.

“Buildings have to be designed first of all to be structurally stable, but we also have to look for ways to make them smart.

“Linking into that is, if buildings have to be demolished we should re-use the materials from these buildings and plan that into the demolition process.

“Concrete and brick works are already recycled and crushed, but I think if more care was taken then we could see components, like glass and timber, also re-used more.”

In anticipation of a full cohort this September, Ogwuda is also making use of his industry contacts to arrange guest lecturers, networking events and work placements.

“Huge demand already exists. When you go to schools to market the programme it’s all about green building and accreditation, this will be the generation that builds realising that you cannot just build for the sake of it.”

Career in focus:

Dr Olisanwendu Ogwuda education University of Nigeria BEng Civil engineering The University of Birmingham MSc (Eng) International highway engineering University of Abertay Dundee PhD in civil engineering industry experience 1987-89 Graduate engineer, Framec Engineering Ltd, Nigeria 1990-91 Site engineer and trainer for Tarmac Construction Ltd (UK) 1994-2009 Lecturer, University of Albertay, Dundee 2001-2002 Consultant, City of Edinburgh Council, 2008 Consultant, Proficio Technology Ltd, on secondment to develop low energy technologies 2009 Lecturer and course leader, Herriot Watt University, Dubai.

Project democracy 34 | www.thebigprojectme.com

I

n December 2010, a Tunisian graduate selling vegetables on the streets of Sidi Bouzid, set himself alight in protest of “inhumane treatment” at the hands of the authorities. Since that day, what has been described as a “tsunami” of protest and unrest has swept the region.

The largest contractors, developers and even banks have been forced to close their doors; workers were evacuated; stocks suspended, exhibitions cancelled and as a result trading prices fluctuated wildly.

Some estimates suggest only 10% of the sector was active during the worst of the unrest.

“During the revolution our operations office was impacted due to security threats, suspended telecommunications, the closure of banks and the imposed state curfew,” recalls Mohamed Shehata, acting contracts manager for American International Contractors’, based in Cairo.

“Amid these factors, day to day business activities were not possible. Also a lot of the construction materials that we used in our projects abroad are ordered from Egypt, and there was a temporary slow down in the supplies.”

Gulf News reported estimated economic losses of US$1 billion, with Shehata reporting

unemployment in the sector reached 90% during the height of Egypt’s unrest.

While Egypt is now beginning to rebuild, problems elsewhere persist. Coalition airstrikes in Libya; continued instability in Yemen, clashes in Jordan, Syria and Bahrain and smaller demonstrations in Oman and even Dubai.

Listing the suspension of banking facilities as his primary concern, director of the Malaysian Timber Council, Khairul Anwar, says concern is now focussed on Bahrain and that while Malaysian exporters can survive on trade from other markets in the short term, trade must resume soon.

“We follow the situation locally and report back to our members, who are exporters in Malaysia. We have many concerns as our exporters were doing well across the region but we are now struggling to contact some of our importers. We thought the situation had calmed in Bahrain but now it’s a problem again.

“In Yemen the situation is different — we can make contact with our importers but the banking facilities that allow our members to receive payments are not working. Business is about trust of payments but without that

Jotun paints initiated a CSR compaign to help restore areas of Egypt.

www.thebigprojectme.com | 35

COVER | THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

The first quarter of 2011 has seen pro-democracy protests drastically change the region’s political and social landscape.

With millions of people demanding better houses, education and jobs Melanie Mingas finds out what a change at the top will mean for the construction industry on the ground

COVER | THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

“These people want a decent quality of life, homes for their families, good education, good healthcare and a decent job with the ability to dream of a better life”

ABOVE: It is predicted that infrastructure developments will take priority over expensive developments which do not meet citizen’s needs.

RIGHT: Qatar is perceived as a safe haven for evacuated employees.

Prices of construction materials were affected.

infrastructure we cannot conduct business,” Anwar explains.

Roots of unrest

In a briefing published in March, risk assessors Maplecroft cited unemployment, living costs, corruption, restricted freedom and violent security forces as the primary roots of unrest.

Among a list of 11 key risks to businesses, Maplecroft detailed HR issues, association with autocratic regimes, and the impact of price rises in basic commodities, oil and gas.

The document also said those countries not mired by corruption could be susceptible to “the influence of powerful tribes”, and that those companies who will be exposed as associated with corrupt regimes could irreparably damage their reputation, even beyond the region.

A second report, also published by Maplecroft, commentated on the fragility of Saudi Arabia, despite the multi-billion dollar social package announced by HH King Abdullah and a relative lack of significant protests. In a bid to further protect the kingdom’s

36 | www.thebigprojectme.com

interests, it is rumoured the king offered to pay $20,000 to the owners of the ‘Day of Rage’ Facebook page, largely considered to be a key source of social unrest.

In addition, the official line from the interior ministry is that it will take “all necessary steps to prevent attempts to disrupt public order”.

And similarly to the security forces deployed to Bahrain, Saudi troops patrol the kingdom’s Shi’ite areas.

Yet Maplecroft’s report indicates there is still a risk of further problems due to a near 40% unemployment rate in the 14-24 age bracket; in a country where 70% of the population is less than 20 years old. As in other countries, the situation is compounded by inequality between those in power and the greater population.

Reinforcing the socialist theme, in an interview with Sky News, Emaar Properties chair, Mohamed Ali Alabbar said people were more interested in their quality of life than politics.

“These people want a decent quality of life, homes for their families, good education, good healthcare and a decent job with the ability to dream of a better life,” he said.

Ongoing troubles in Libya and Egypt, and further threats of protest in as yet unaffected

countries continue to cause turbulence.

Yet as power shifts, many in the construction industry expect the emerging powers, when they do emerge and stabilise, to present great opportunities.

The official line

Commentary on how the situation is affecting the construction industry is forthcoming from both the legal and banking professions.

Lawyers Clyde & Co say that “from a health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) perspective, the political unrest poses potentially catastrophic problems”.

In terms of a direct legal impact on the industry, their MENA bulletin dated March 2011 says effects will depend upon the contractual rights and obligations of corporations, project terms and the applicable local laws.

“Project participants need to look carefully at their project contracts,” says Clyde and Co spokesperson David McElveney.

“Apart from usual time and money claims which may arise, contracts will often have a specific provisions deadline for situations of social and political disruption. For example

News

contracts influenced by the FIDIC suite may excuse parties from their obligations during a period of ‘force majeure’ and give rise to entitlements to extra time and perhaps also money,” McElveney continues, with the firm further advising international corporations to consider both the legal and practical realities arising from regime change when executing government contracts.

In terms of project finance, Clyde and Co say investors and developers should obtain advice on their exposure to legal action and that lenders should ensure their advisors are briefed.

Despite the closure of banks in every area during the worst of the violence, the financial outlook depends on confidence.

Chief executive of Bahrain Islamic Bank Abdulkarim Bucheery told Reuters newswire that banks may cut financing lines to those Bahraini lenders facing debt restructuring, but have not to date.

“There might be some banks that have taken quick action, unnecessarily, to suspend lines. I have not heard of any particular bank that has, but this is something that could come up quite quickly,” Bucheery is quoted as saying.

Commenting that the investment situation varies as much as the reasons for the unrest, editor of Banker Middle East magazine, Michael Gallagher, says the legacy of the financial crisis of 2008; i.e. a strong regulatory framework, has protected the sector recently.

Jotun volunteers with Egyptian citizens in Tahir Square.

“The regional regulatory framework is much stronger so the measures enacted since the crisis days of 2008 have gone some way towards adding confidence. I expect bankers are questioning the possibility of capital flight, but that is probably unlikely, on a major scale, any time soon,” Gallagher says, predicting the turmoil could even increase chances of consolidation between regional banks, speeding up the formation of an “EU-type single market”.

Democracy equals opportunity

Consensus in the industry is that new democratic governments, expected to take power over the coming year, will have a stronger socialist agenda and a focus on initiating the necessary infrastructure programmes to improve citizen’s daily quality of life, while also creating jobs.

As a result of these changes industry insiders predict significant opportunities in civil infrastructure projects, including affordable housing and transport networks.

“People in these countries have been kept under control for so long and the situation will

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“An underlying principle should be that local people should be engaged wherever possible to help restore their own country to a functional state”

have to stabilise first but when it does these markets will be attractive to investors,” says Stefano Fuson, sales area manager of construction equipment suppliers Faresin.

“When the people are happy it will generate interest and this will lead to new projects, contracts, tenders and so on but it will take time — history teaches you about that.

“You cannot predict one day from the next,” Fuson adds.

In December, The Big Project heard from a number of industry leaders that this year’s emerging markets would include Libya and Egypt; markets previously over looked in favour of the high profile deals in Saudi Arabia, and more recently, Qatar.

Speaking about the potential of a new Libyan market, UKbased project and change optimisation manager for MBF, Michael Fisher, lists the primary areas of opportunity as housing, roads, utilities, telecoms, retail distribution and oil and gas networks.

“The first task should be to establish a national PMO that establishes and prioritises

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COVER | THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

“Maybe the changes can open up new markets for construction technology that hasn’t been sought in the past for a number of reasons” the needs and then coordinates all the necessary projects to ensure that conflicts and expenditure are minimised while deliverables are maximised,” Fisher advises.

“An underlying principle should be that local people should be engaged wherever possible to help restore their own country to a functional state,” he continues, adding: “Leadership, management and technologies from outside agencies should only be used where local alternatives cannot provide the required outputs to the right quality at the right price or in the right timeframe,” he adds.

In early March, paint manufacturer Jotun initiated a programme to help the local community restore landmarks damaged in the protests.

Sites included Tahrir Square and its surrounding streets; the shooting club in Doki, and areas in Heliopolis, Al Khanka and Al Kaliobia.

Social media has been used to interact with local communities and identify other key areas for regeneration.

In addition to the tender opportunities expected to arise, those working on existing projects could also expect a breakthrough in commodity prices, which have been in constant flux since the global economic downturn.

“Governments are expected to review the current prices for all the strategic materials and supplies used in construction, such as steel and cement,” says Shehata.

“Since those materials have been monopolised for a long time by greed and foreign interests, we expect the new powers to intervene to re-evaluate and regulate such prices. This will regulate the market and bring the price of residential units to what they should be,” he adds.

But the opportunities are not set in stone and still subject to a number of determining factors including short and long term developments, which have proven impossible to isolate.

“The changes that can be implemented depend on who will govern and what they will be allowed to do. Maybe they can open up new markets for construction technology that haven’t been sought in the past,” Fuson adds.

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US$1 b estimated economic losses, as reported by gulf news in february 2011

People power

In addition to the contracts and projects, the job market within the industry could see change.

The unrest has and continues to cause a myriad of HR issues, mostly resulting from workers being evacuated from sites in a number of locations. Yet the legacy of the current situation could be a huge shift, across the region, as to where firms choose to deploy their human resources - and where those resources are willing to be deployed to.

Yemen, Algeria, Oman and Bahrain have been categorised as a “cause for concern” by The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. A further 11 countries are on a list for “careful monitoring”, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Most recently, British workers have been

Security forces from Saudi Arabia were deployed to Bahrain to help control protests.

Main areas of opportunity

Cities that were once full of activity are now deserted.

instructed to leave Yemen by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Office, with a spokesperson saying it is “very difficult for the British Government to provide consular assistance”, in the country as it has for expats in Bahrain.

“I think the recent unrest may put the brakes on some expansion plans and board level decisions in the US and UK and companies may adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach at the moment in terms of opening offices in the countries where there have been problems,” says Ben Waddilove, director for recruitment consultants MacDonald and Co.

Housing Roads Utilities Telecoms Retail distribution Oil and gas networks.

Education

Travel advice from western governments Do not travel to: Libya Yemen Lebanon Syria Only travel when essential to: Bahrain Egypt

”The focus now will be on Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, as political unrest in these locations is unlikely”

estimated unemployment in the construction industry during the worst of the political unrest

Speaking of the residual impact on neighbouring job markets, he adds: “Other issues include the repatriation of workers to the UAE, as it’s perceived as a safe haven. I don’t envisage any political problems within Dubai, and that could have a positive effect for employers who are looking to recruit, although the job market in the UAE could become more competitive.”

Another major factor contributing to the shifting landscape is the involvement of some large companies in the regimes which have toppled.

Talk of corruption within the industry has grown from a murmur to a sweep stake on which firms will still be operating in 12 months and from where.

“Many rumours and legal investigation are in place with the owners of some of the largest developers being questioned about the methodology of getting their properties,” says Tamer Kassem project controls manager with Hill International, Egypt.

“Yet government authorities are starting to take steps to maintain the positions and the stability of these firms and their stockholders, this is also for the benefit of the tenants whom make reservation in these firms’ various projects,” Kassem says.

“There may be some high profile executives, for example Egyptian real estate developers, who were involved with the Mubarak regime and benefitted from land deals, and so on,” Waddilove observes.

“At a senior level, CEOs in Egypt may be potentially looking for work around the Gulf at the moment but how things will pan out is still a little uncertain. The focus now will be on Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, as political unrest in these locations is unlikely,” Waddilove says.

The new Middle East

From recovery to corporate social responsibility initiatives, in the countries where the dust is beginning to settle, albeit slowly and possibly even temporarily, some in the industry are already seizing the opportunities this brings and taking their own lead.

“I believe the people who will make money out of this kind of situation are the sharp-eyed emerging and frontier market wildcatters - in a romantic sense,” predicts Gallagher.

“This group has little or no interest in developed markets and will constantly be looking over the investment horizon for the kinds of opportunities that developed market investors never consider.

"That is why the current situation is not necessarily negative,” he adds.

That’s not to say initial impact has not been felt far and wide and will reverberate for some time to come.

An annual list by Saneou Al Hadath magazine, ranks the top 19 Arab cities to live in.

While this year’s report does not account for current political situations, managing editor Yousef Rafaya says that it will have an effect on next year’s rankings.

“Many of the indicators adopted in the study depend on the economic and social development in the Arab cities and there is no doubt the rankings will change next year,” Rafaya says.

This year’s list named Doha as number one for education, Kuwait City as best for business and economy and Dubai as the top city to live.

“Cities in countries which witnessed revolutions and protests also witnessed the exodus of businessmen, foreigners and local residents as well, as was the case in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and more recently Bahrain.

“We expect that the impact will be clearly seen through several indicators used to generate the study, and these indicators include tourism attraction, business climate, corruption and transparency, civil and human rights, and other indicators,” Rafaya concludes.

The people speak Tamer Kassem, project controls manager, Hill International, Egypt: “The Egyptian position regarding existing and on-going projects is still firm. Although, Egypt is running through a foggy political and economical atmosphere, the presence of the army is giving stability to large developers and stabilising the stock exchange market.”

Erhan Altan, projects logistics and purchasing manager, Construction and Real Estate Investment Co: “I think that the authorities should regenerate contacts with companies that fled from troubled areas and security and social requirements must be established immediately. There is no reason to lose time with this and there are so many things to be done.”

Abdur Mian, managing director and head of engineering, International Consulting Associates, Pakistan: “I predict the main opportunities to arise in the new Middle East will predominantly lie in civil infrastructure; that is roads, buildings and bridges, as these are the backbone of infrastructure developments.”

Chokri Maatouk, civil engineering consultant, Consulting Engineer Services (CES): “In ever case construction in these countries will continue, but with more accelerated pace. This is due to the strong will of the people for change, the reduction of the corruption and speculation in the industry, the incarnation of a real social justice and the condition of the existing constructions.”

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90%

Re-inventing the bathroom

Bathroom manufacturers Duravit take The Big Project to their design centre in Germany for the official launch of the latest product range

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s the company who designed and supplied bathrooms for the Burj Khalifa and Dubai’s Index Tower, the Duravit brand is recognised worldwide.

This year, the company will launch a range of new products in the region (see box) designed by award winning EOOS, Sieger Design, Matteo Thun, Sergei Tchoban and Philip Starck.

Speaking of their “very strong presence” in the Middle East, chief of international sales, Albrecht Graf Von der Groeben, explains: “The bathroom is now opening up; it is no longer a functional place. Today, we have more functions in terms of wellness and well being, fitness and so on and in future these elements are going to play a much more important role.”

Echoing his comments during the official launch at the Duravit Design Centre, located in The Black Forest in Hornberg, Germany, CEO Franz Kook, called it a “very big moment” in bathroom design, adding: “The bathroom is the middle of all attention for all our clients, because bathrooms have come to be a living space, rather than a functional room. People

spend a lot of time in the bathroom, therefore they like to see something unusual.”

Attended by hundreds of journalists and clients, designers of the new range were also present at the launch to explain the concepts and evolution behind their designs.

The design centre, also designed by Philip Stark, is both a headquarters and tourist attraction thanks to a seven meter high toilet built into the side of the facade, from where visitors can look out onto The Black Forest.

“Showrooms give us a stronger focus on the retail side so people who cannot visualise our products just from the brochures have the opportunity to come and see and touch the products,” explains Von der Groeben.

By the end of 2011, the new range will also be on show, and on sale, at Duravit’s newest showroom, in Deira, Dubai. The retail space was officially launched in March this year, after a 10 month renovation project.

“This new showroom will serve as a platform to explain it to the customers, architects, designers and everybody involved in the decision

process, how these products work. We’re very happy about this showroom because we’ve never had a centre like this in the region,” adds Von der Groeben, speaking at the opening.

Following a period of strong growth, Duravit experienced a slow down during the economic crisis, reporting their first decline in sales in almost 200 years, in 2009. Today, as more projects are specified, Duravit reports demand is returning to the market.

“Our business model is very sustainable across all our operations. Like everybody else we depend to a large extent on the project business but at the same time we have a very strong retail business,” says Von der Groeben.

Reporting strong working relationships in the region, facilitated by their partnership with the Hassan Group, Von der Groeben adds: “For Duravit to step into this market in the Middle East is becoming very important because we have a very close affinity with this area; a factory in the region which is supporting our activities in the market and a very strong presence in the project business throughout the Middle East.”

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PROJECT UPDATE Supplier feature | ABU | duravit DHABI

LEFT: Products on display at the Duravit Design Centre, Hornberg Germany.

BELOW: The exterior of the iconic design centre, which has become a local tourist attraction.

Supplier feature | duravit

Products on display at the Duravit Design Centre

Some of Duravit’s toilets in the German showroom.

FROM RIGHT: Designers of the Darling range, Sieger Design; Sensowash, St. Trop and Starck News designer Philip Starck, and Matteo Thun, who created the Onto range.

Onto

Esplanade Designer Sergei Tchoban Combining “opulence and durability”, this complete range is named after the grand streets of France. The collection includes ceramic furniture, Victorian inspired vanity units and hand-sewn leather finishes.

Darling new

Esplanade

Onto Designer Matteo Thun Designed for quick assembly and cleaning, Onto’s minimalist wooden surfaces are waxed for durability; the bathtub designed for easily disabled access and the shower is designed to mee the needs of business hotels.

Onto

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Sensowash

Darling Designer Sieger Design Designed by Duravit and Dieter Sieger, the range was first introduced in 1994. Now re-designed, Darling includes 25 different ceramic models — wall mounted, with no visible attachments — and a further 27 furniture items.

Esplanade

St. Trop

Nahho Designer EOOS Derived from Old German, Nahho means “dug-out canoe”. The bath tubs are designed for floatation, featuring a head rest and Bluetooth sound system, which can be heard underwater. Taps and spotlights are concealed under a white or matt graphite finish.

Starck News

Paiova Monolith Designer: EOOS The distinctive shape allows bathers to relax together, in a single piece tub manufactured from acrylic. The range also features optional air and jet systems.

Supplier feature | duravit

“Showrooms give us a stronger focus on the retail side so people who cannot visualise our products just from the brochures have the opportunity to come and see and touch the products”

The Duravit Design Centre, Germany.

FROM LEFT: Sergei Tchoban, designer of the Esplanade range and EOOS, the group behind the Openspace, Paiova Monolith and Nahho ranges and bathcovers.

Starck News

St. Trop Designer: Starck The steam shower, measuring one square meter of floor space, becomes a painting; with a white “canvas” background and frame style door, the person taking a shower becomes a “motif” within the design.

Darling New

Bathcovers

Bathcovers Designer: EOOS Sundeck can be closed to maximise the bathroom area, creating a seating or temporary storage deck.

Produced in artificial leather, the four panels completely cover the tub and can hold up to 150kg.

Nanho

Nahho

OpenSpace Designer: EOOS A partition which creates extra space in the bathroom can be folded into a wall panel to conceal the tap fittings, shower attachments and toiletries. The range includes optional shower trays, which meet safety standards.

Paiova Monolith

Stark News Designer: Starck A re-design of his 1994 range, the New collection features the “barrel” in both cylinder and cuboid designs. The range also includes low rectangular cabinets, console washbasins and mirror cabinets.

Open space

Range: SensoWash Designer: Starck This “shower-toilet” seat draws on traditional Asian designs, with a slim-line appearance and three types of adjustable built-in shower wash. A remote control can be used to lift the seat and activtate heat controls.

Bath covers

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PROJECT UPDATE | Sandoval Lane

sandoval lane dubai Bavaria Gulf director Raymond Lefevre explains why German standards were used in the development of Dubai’s newest community

S

andoval Gardens and Lane is an AED260 million development located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village.

With the second phase now almost completed the project, consisting of 36 town houses and a 165 unit apartment complex, is also built to meet LEED standards. In addition to marking a first for Bavaria Gulf’s Middle East portfolio, it is also the first TUeV certified project in the region; a quality benchmark regulated by independent German evaluator TUV SUD. “TUV SUD assures quality compliance through rigorous and detailed project inspections conducted during various stages of project development starting from design to a year down the line from the date of delivery,” says Bavaria Gulf director Raymond Lefevre.

While Jumeirah Village falls within Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), which has its own environmental compliance for developments, Lefevre says Bavaria has a track record of “green construction” in its native Germany and has built the project to LEED standards Features include 250mm thick masonry units on exterior walls; Henkel’s German combo roof system, using 65mm polyurethane

ABOVE: Bavaria Gulf director, Raymond Lefevre.

insulation foam, to minimise heat transfer from outside. Additionally all windows, which have been imported from Germany, are completely airtight, exceeding local insulation standards by 50 %. Motion sensors are also installed in common areas and corridors to regulate the use of lighting and HVAC systems.

“By conserving the demand on the air

ABOVE: Some of Sandoval’s completed residential units.

conditioning and reducing energy consumption, we strive to substantially reduce the carbon foot print of the project,” Lefevre explains.

“I personally am in favour of environmentally aware developements as they are sustainable and economically viable.”

“Not only do they they turn out to be cheaper in the long run but we also build green as part of our social responsibility towards the community,” he adds.

In order to meet the self imposed standards Bavaria imported the bulk of both construction and fit-out materials from Europe. Products were supplied by the likes of NEFF, Hans Aa, Thyssen Krupp, Legrand and Comtur.

In addition to the environmental inspections, Bavaria also introduced a Home Orientation Programme, a quality assurance initiative allowing owners to jointly inspect their property, as per German regulations.

“Our experience of over 15 years in a highly matured, quality driven and regulated market like Germany, helped us to follow a clear enduser focussed strategy from the very beginning and add greater value to Sandoval Gardens,” Lefevre concludes.

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When UK-based Galliford Try required an estimating system capable of integrating CAD and PFD drawings for their new operations in the Middle East, they teamed up with Causeway Estimating

Why did you select Causeway’s product and how did it help you overcome these challenges?

Causeway’s Estimating software addresses all of our requirements and one major benefit has been the links to the company’s CADMeasure program. We have now used this on several projects and seen real time-savings.

Also, Causeway’s programmers were willing to work with our financial department to ensure we could use the information from the estimate in the management of the contract and keep control of costs.

What are the main benefits of the product?

I

n search of an estimating system with the capability to integrate a number of different information sources, Galliford Try employed the services of Causeway Estimating to assist with their new operations in the Middle East.

Designed to provide “clear visibility of risk, net cost information and value engineering opportunities” Causeway also say their CADMeasure software provides reliable and accurate project information about sub-contractors and suppliers.

“Armed with this information, estimators and bid managers are able to make meaningful decisions and produce higher quality tenders while typically reducing tender enquiry costs by up to 50%,” says business development manager, Phil August.

Designed to facilitate a project’s supply chain, the software has been applied to a number of projects in the UK, including Heathrow Terminal 5, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and M6 Toll Road. The principle is to help companies manage costs and reduce financial risks.

Described as a fully-fledged tender management tool, Causeway say their software is not a stand-alone pricing tool.

”We needed an estimating system that would help to streamline operations”

To the test

Galliford Try’s Qatar branch bid manager David Holdway, explains the benefits and opportunities the software creates:

What unique demands and issues were you faced with during these projects?

When we established in the Middle East we needed an estimating system that would help to streamline operations for all the projects we were involved in. For instance we were looking for true integration with other functions, such as electronic measurement from drawings, as well as the ability to exchange project information with our back-office systems for the commercial and financial management of contracts.

Causeway’s electronic measurement software CADMeasure works well and provides the ability to measure from CAD or PDF drawings.

Information can then be transferred to the software for inclusion in specific tenders.

Also the Causeway estimating software is not limited to the number of digits in the pricing columns which is a basic requirement when dealing with large value tenders using local currencies, i.e. QAR100 million. Tenders are the small end of the market place here, which equates to £16m in the UK.

The biggest advantages have certainly been the ease and speed of electronic take-off from both digital and paper-based CAD drawings. We used both the estimating and CADMeasure as soon as we had the software installed. The CADMeasure software has already proved its worth on the first tender where quantities were the contractors’ responsibility; we could immediately commence our take-off in-house and react quickly to any changes.

We have found CADMeasure to be an excellent and logical addition to the estimating software from Causeway. Causeway Estimating software has also proved to be very easy to use by our estimators in Qatar.

Causeway’s project partners include Technology services and solution providers, such as: - Autodesk- authorised training centre - Infor- software providers - KMS- CRM for construction professionals - Micro Drainage- providers of WinDes suit software - Open Text Corporation- content management solutions

Causeway’s UK Projects - Heathrow Terminal 5 - Channel Tunnel rail line - M6 Toll Road

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TRIED AND TESTED | CAUSEWAY ESTIMATING

CADMeasure

TRENDS | BATHROOM LEFT AND BELOW: The panel included Included Nick Baker from Vado; Ben Brydon from Sanipex, and Mohamed Nada from Kohler.

Tapping opportunities Representatives from three of the region’s most prominent bathroom suppliers speak to The Big Project about the latest technology and the trends driving its adoption Did you face any issues when building the prominence of your brand in the region?

Mohammed Nada: Depending on the market, the Kohler brand has been here between 30 and 50 years. We are prominent in the luxury market and more of the A+ and A++ clients know our products. We have US and European product lines, both of which are demanded in the region. The European brand began gaining recognition around a decade ago as a trend for contemporary and modern design evolved.

Overall it depends on the country. In Saudi Arabia, ARAMCO demands US standards are adhered to, so the US range is popular. In other markets, like the UAE, the European range is more popular.

Our diversity of products has empowered us to satisfy a lot of needs within the specifications of both US and European standards.

Nick Baker: Being a UK-based company holds a lot of weight here. We are working with some of the same issues in the UK as here in regards to water solutions and reducing consumption. We are bringing our knowledge to the region, for example by meeting the stringent Estidama guidelines using our expertise from meeting the Sustainable Homes targets in the UK. With

“If you try to dazzle people with various techniques to measure consumption, those who are not in the industry or who do not fully understand how it works do not fully utilise them” regards to design, many of the trends come from the UK, US and Europe, so we are very much on the cutting edge. We have already launched a range of new products, such as digital taps and showers; considered to be the taps of the future.

Ben Brydon: Since 1995 we have evolved our business knowing the companies we were supplying were going to take on lower and lower costs. In 2000 we developed into a luxury one stop shop by taking on some major brands, allowing us to target interior

designers and grow a reputation for being an ‘interior designer’s tool box’.

All the difficulties we face in terms of pricing and deliveries we have overcome with a relatively large portfolio of products, catering to a wide market sector. We have started developing our own brands and an own-brand range called Bagno Design, targeted to the hospitality midsector of the market.

In terms of construction trends, how has your company responded to the change in focus between hospitality, residential and mega projects?

NM: We have continually catered to all these divisions by pushing new products and designs. Currently we are witnessing a trend for water saving products, which we have been able to promote very well throughout our regional operations in

The Panel

Nick Baker, export specifications manager, Vado Ben Brydon, sales director, Sanipex Mohammed Nada, marketing manager, Kohler

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TRENDS XXXXXXXX | BATHROOM | XXXXXXXXXX

LEFT: One of the taps supplied to the Middle East market by Vado.

“We have noticed that while the projects and business markets are declining, there has been a massive jump in retail sales as people upgrade their houses instead of moving” America. We have then incorporated these elements into personalised designs, which are stylish and unique. We work with our local designers and R&D departments around the world and a full range of products was launched last year.

NB: We are very lucky because we are specialists; we do branch out into accessories and that is very much where we are looking to divert in future. We serve everything from the very lowend products, to the trade market, throughout the world. We also do the middle ranges, which are used in low to middle-cost hotels, and then we have our high end products for more luxury driven hotels.

BB: We have evolved by targeting the residential and commercial sectors, which are less design driven. The hospitality industry is much more unique in terms of requirements and we have a portfolio of products

Kohler’s CeranoT faucet , from the VasR range.

encompassing everything from the basics to the intricate designs of presidential suites. One of our key areas for growth over the next few years will be institutions such as schools, places of worship; places not only in the UAE but in other markets, too. We are developing a product range that covers ADA requirements and British standards to meet these specifications.

Following the cancellation of ISH in Dubai due to “market sentiment”, how significant are trade fairs in this region for your particular sector?

BB: There are probably only two or three significant fairs- The Big 5, The Hotel Show and Index. Unfortunately few shows are organised by product type, so you have bathroom items next to trucks and you have to know what you want to find, particularly in the biggest shows.

MN: We participated in ISH Dubai in 2008, but today there are other fairs where we can showcase our products, such as Wetex. At this year’s show we had good exposure for our water saving products.

NB: As an evolving company, Vado is always looking at and launching new products and we have a presence at the shows which we think will fit our products well. We are always adding to our catalogue and fairs provide a great arena to gauge what is working.

BB: Shows are important to communicate company news, new products and trends. But they are only successful if you can back it up by having a good showroom in which to showcase those products afterwards — otherwise the brand isn’t recognised.

MN: The need for specific kitchen and bath shows is essential. Cityscape covers real estate, The Hotel Show is hospitality, The Big 5 hosts all the suppliers; having a specific kitchen and bath shows is important for architects, designers, contractors, developers and other suppliers to come together and see all the products.

Have you witnessed any emerging demand trends during recent trade exhibitions?

BB: What we noticed this year at ISH in Germany was the advancement in technology.

Everybody is showcasing water saving products and pioneering very different ways of using water in faucets and showers. Additionally, people are looking for a very different look in bathrooms. Fewer chrome or ‘hard’ designs, in

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TRENDS XXXXXXXX | BATHROOM | XXXXXXXXXX

“The need for specific kitchen and bath shows is essential.

It is important for architects, designers, contractors, developers and other suppliers to come together “ favour of platinum, nickel and bronze; a much calmer way of creating an environment and more of a spa feeling.

MN: We use the opportunity to demonstrate our products; the comparison of low flush and high flush toilets, our infrared technology, the hybrid battery, waterless urinals and so on. The feedback is always good because we see people from municipalities, hospitality, designers from all over the world. It’s a good platform, specifically for showcasing the waterless technology, which is gaining popularity.

NB: One benefit is being able to demonstrate a shower which reduces output to nine litres a minute and still performs well. Being able to physically show that to somebody is very good.

I think it’s natural to find the best trade shows to be at in the region.

How has the trading landscape changed recently and how has this affected your operations?

MN: We have a strong range of products across all our markets. While not all our diversifications (see box) are applicable to the Middle East yet we do hope to migrate them to other markets, but we will do that in response to the emerging conditions in each individual market.

BB: We regard ourselves as a customer orientated supplier, and develop products and services based on their needs. This helps us to offer extra services to the customers including designs, training programmes for contractors,

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service contracts with hotels and maintenance contracts to ensure products are living the life they are intended to.

In addition to these demands, we have also witnessed particular change in the trading landscape over the last three years. However, we have noticed that while the projects and business markets are declining, there has been a massive jump in retail sales as people upgrade their houses instead of moving.

We have also noticed a big difference in trade to our wholesale markets, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. There has been a paradigm shift in power in our organisation.

NB: As the market has changed we have opened a regional office to enhance our focus and serve the whole Middle East and Africa; all of these regions have massive potential for us. As a family run company from Somerset, England, we are not on the same scale as Kohler quite yet,

but we have different initiatives that we continue to push. For example, with regards to global water conservation we are now looking at different ways to achieve what the authorities are asking us to, for example by developing grey water systems.

On the flip side of that you can still see the luxury market as being a major market for our company. These are interesting times.

Are there any particular elements of the new environmental legislation in the region which pose strong opportunities for your operations?

MN: We have already captured this market in the US and won an award last year. Per capita consumption in Abu Dhabi is the highest in the world and the resulting legislation has given Kohler an opportunity to market our hybrid technology, which saves both water and energy.

Ben Brydon, sales director, Sanipex.

This gives increases our potential across the entire Middle East region.

NB: We are very lucky that we can adapt our ranges; for example all our products can be fitted with flow reducers. Our work meeting targets in the British market helped establish a strong portfolio of such products which can now be introduced here.

BB: We have been pushing water saving for the last decade, but while developers and end-users are being forced to meet targets education is still required, most immediately in the money saved on bills. Also, there are still major developments where standards are not being utilised over value for money on the initial costs, not only by people in our sector but also by the contractors we work with.

Nick Baker, export specifications manager, Vado.

MN: The ROI on Kohler products can be calculated on our website by selecting a certain product and specifying your usage. Depending on the country and the price of water you can calculate the return and that is something we are trying to promote in this region. For example, the Vas faucet has a four year return, but that differs from country to country.

BB: We have found that the simpler the range of products used to reduce consumption, the easier it is to understand. If you try to dazzle people with various techniques to measure consumption, those who are not in the industry or

Mohamed Nada, marketing manager, Kohler.

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TRENDS | BATHROOM

“While it’s very important for manufacturers to lead the way and implement water saving features, they must reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing the products also”

TRENDS XXXXXXXX | BATHROOM | XXXXXXXXXX

“Those willing to spend millions of Dirhams on a villa are unlikely to turn it down because the taps are not efficient”

RIGHT: The Aqua Volo shower by Sanipex.

All about bathrooms Kohler

ABOVE: During the discussion the panel debated the adoption of water saving technology and the shift in focus from the projects to retail markets.

do not fully understand how it works do not fully utilise it. For example simple flow restrictors are understood so people are much more inclined to adopt those over other products.

How does the market for water saving products differ between the projects and retail sectors?

NB: There is no doubt that the biggest growth area is what is being pushed by the government and in the product sector there is still a lot of work to be done. Those willing to spend millions of Dirhams on a villa are unlikely to turn it down because the taps are not efficient.

However, in hospitality they can see the costs clearly, you just have to balance the functionality, design and water saving elements appropriate for that market.

BB: There is a difference between the end-user and the specifier actually buying the products. I think everybody now is understanding the needs and benefits, it’s just making that mind shift to actually doing it.

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MN: It’s very important in that sense with Kohler products that you never sacrifice the design quality.

The whole functionality comes together to attract consumers on a retail level and persuade them to buy products which are both attractive and efficient.

NB: While it’s very important for manufacturers throughout the industry to lead the way and implement water saving features, they must reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing the products also. Otherwise the savings are lost. As a company, we adhere to regulations and have gained ISO:14001 certification.

MN: Kohler has implemented a goal to reach zero carbon by 2020, and then increase that by 4% a year. We actually have a product called Nature’s Chemistry, made from recycled bottles, which is an interesting approach.

The interview was conducted in the Crystal Bar at The Grand Millennium hotel, TECOM, Dubai.

The Kohler brand was established nearly 140 years ago, primarily trading in kitchen and bath for the hospitality and interior design sectors.

As part of the company’s wide diversifications, Kohler has also opened a number of golf courses in America, entirely designed and supplied with Kohler-branded products, which have hosted a number of recent PGA tours.

Kohler has a representative office in Dubai managing the company’s presence around the GCC and Levant region. There are 15 distributors’ offices and a single distributor strategy in each country. For Saudi Arabia, Lebannon and Oman there are two distributors in each country.

Vado Established in Somerset, England, 25 years ago, Vado traded as Euro Bath before changing its name. The company currently has two brands; Pex, a range of plumbing valves and Vado, a range of brassware taps and accessories.

Distribution is primarily handled by Sanipex, with Vado establishing their own presence in the region at the end of 2010, to work more closely with regional specifiers, contractors, developers and designers.

Sanipex Sanipex is a manufacturer and representative for 60 well known brands and products in the MENA, Muslim and CIS markets.

The company is prominent in all four routes to market as project suppliers, retailers and wholesalers as well as manufacturers and agents. Sanipex carries all forms of products from plumbing and MEP suppliers all the way through to sanitary ware, finishings, tiles and marble, with around 30 retail outlets in the region.

COMMERCIAL XXXXXXXX VEHICLES | XXXXXXXXXX | PMV

Driving demand Exhibitors at the Commercial Vehicles Middle East fair reported a significant increase in sales across the GCC, indicating recovery in the construction sector

L

ast year, the first Commercial Vehicles Middle East (CVME) exhibition welcomed more than 3000 decision makers, purchasers and managers from 51 countries.

This year’s show, held last month at Dubai World Trade Centre, saw exhibitors introduce a range of new hydraulic platforms, trucks, tyres and filtration systems.

According to the event organisers, Streamline Marketing Group (SMG), sales of commercial vehicles in the GCC increased by almost 50,000 units between 2009 and 2010 and exhibitors at the 2011 exhibition agree this indicates a steady recovery across the construction industry.

While there is still a long climb to achieve the sales seen before 2008, there is optimism across the entire construction spectrum.

“I think it would be over ambitious to say the industry has completely recovered but based on the CV industry sales statistics and forecasts, it would appear that it’s well on its way and within four years should reach the same levels as pre-recession,” says SMG group director Louisa Theobold, reporting an upward trend in freight movement and consumer activity.

The exhibition included speeches from Alexander Borg, regional director of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and Robin Voogd, general manager of commercial vehicle operators, Leaseplan.

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ABOVE: SMG Marketing group director, Louisa Theobold.

“I think it would be over ambitious to say the industry has completely recovered but based on sales statistics and forecasts it would appear that it is well on its way”

Speaking about industry innovations and the challenges of operating in a post-crash industry, Voogd says: “We see a shift from doing everything in a best practise manner in-house to outsourcing to professional suppliers.

“This restructures the supply chain: More specialised and professional suppliers emerge, resulting in an overall increase in efficiency and service offering for vehicle users,” Voogd adds.

Commenting on the new trading landscape, R.T. Wasan, head of international business for vehicle manufacturers Tata, says: “Since the crisis we have found the emerging markets have proved stronger than the developed markets.

“I feel there should be a lot of strong demand coming up in the Middle East in the near future. A lot of investment will be going into infrastructure projects and governments want to start creating economic opportunities for the people — and this will in turn create opportunities for us.”

“We’re looking forward to building on market optimisn for next year,” Theobold adds.

“The UAE logistics market is expected to witness steady growth this year and a predicted 8-9 % growth every year during the period 2010-2020, reaching revenues of US$16 billion by 2020. Given the GCC’s need to import products from other markets and its strategic position as a logistics hub, the regional commercial vehicles market should continue to develop at an increased pace,” she concludes.

News

TATA Established in 1945, today there are four million Tata vehicles on the road in India, including coaches, pick-up trucks and a new line in construction vehicles manufactured by Daewoo.

A new line in 6x4 Prima trucks and tractors is scheduled for launch in the Middle East in December 2011.

Manufactured in India and Korea and distributed

by United Motors, a 10,000 gallon capacity tank allows efficient aggregate transportation.

“These are world-class vehicles, specifically designed for the Middle East considering environmental factors and desert conditions such as sand,” says head of international business R.T. Wasan.

“The trucks are ergonomically designed.

For example, we have installed drum breaks to meet industry needs specific to the Middle East,” he adds.

Other trucks to be launched include the Xenon pick-ups; available in 10, three and one tonne models.

Marangoni Preparing to open a new factory in Abu Dhabi, which is due for completion this month, Marangoni re-treading systems use special technology to check the quality of all the tyres they process.

Using a technique called shearography, technicians are able to see inside the tyre to check for quality and electronically track the technique to keep a record of quality control.

“The factory will be the most modern in the UAE. In some factories, the tyres are still checked by tapping a hammer along the rubber to detect faults. The shearography technology allows our technicians to see inside the tyre.”

The treads used also offer increased durability, to withstand the debris found on-site.

“We will always be expensive compared to suppliers from China and India, but you cannot compete on price and quality. What we offer is products of the highest quality.”

“We’re looking forward to building on market optimisn for next year”

Renault The new Renault Kerax range offers five Euro3 engine variants, new drive axels and double reduction tandems for over and off road use.

With 380 horse power, the vehicles are available in five configurations; 4x2, 4x4, 6x4, 6x6 and 8x4. Each is engineered for use in difficult terrain; suited to large scale and infrastructure projects in any climate.

Renault trucks operate in more than 100 countries, marketing a range of vehicles the company describes as “robust and powerful”.

XXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXX COMMERCIAL VEHICLES | PMV

New products for a growing market

Smart Filtration Solutions Trading under the name Donaldson, Smart Filtration Solutions provides bulk fuel and lubricant filtration systems to clients such as Dubai’s Road Transport Authority (RTA), Dubal and Emal.

The products are used wherever diesel, ethanol-free fuels and hydraulic oils are also in use; working to “remove dirt”, according to managing partner Mohammad Atif Manzoor.

“Put simply, these filters remove dirt and optimise performance. We work with companies which use large vehicles, such as those in the construction industry and have also been targeting the oil industry.”

On display at CVME was the new PV series in pumps, which uses a highly sensitive integrated valve, and demonstrations were given of Donaldson’s fuel filtration process.

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CONSTRUCTION TECH | TEKLA

BIM’s new business model

Aiming introduce the whole industry to the benefits of building information modelling, last month Tekla officially launched new software programme BIMsight.... for free

T

here is a theory that the concept of “free” is the future of business. In his 2008 book “Free”, author Chris Anderson drew on examples of digital distribution for films and music, which not only posed benefits to the consumer but also widened the audience and brand appeal of the products on offer.

Last month, 3D modelling software providers Tekla officially launched their latest software, BIMsight, at a black tie dinner held at the Burj Al Arab.

Billed as a “new, advanced application for building information modelling”, BIMsight can be used by all project stakeholders to enhance communications and cooperation. And it can be downloaded for free.

Using the internet, BIMsight provides a platform allowing each party to combine their models, check for clashes, comment and mark changes; it is compatible with other 3D models created by different AEC disciplines.

Calling it a “paradigm shift”, Tekla’s business manager Paul Wallett reasons that free downloads will increase the popularity of BIM in design and construction processes.

“To enable this paradigm shift Tekla took away all barriers and made the software free; no budget discussion is needed or committees formed and everyone can collaborate freely and start communicating. This will rapidly promote the use of building information modeling (BIM) throughout the industry, even to those who could not have imagined affording it before,” Wallett explains.

Despite a decades-old BIM market, adoption of the technology has been slow — although changing attitudes towards waste and budgets

over recent years has helped, the industry maintains “archaic” working practices.

“Changing people’s working processes has taken a long time to get where it is today.

Predominately the construction industry has worked the same way for hundreds of years; an architect comes up with a concept, the engineer makes it work structurally and the sub-contractor fabricates,” Wallett says.

“Each time a paper trail of calculations, drawings and contracts is created and each time another piece of paper is created for verification or a separate model built, but not interfaced.”

“This will rapidly promote the use of building information modeling throughout the industry, even to those who could not have imagined affording it before”

Download lowdown

Tekla’s paid for software enjoys a market share of 85%, counting the likes of Tiger Steel (who used the software for Ski Dubai), ARUP, Bechtel and Murray and Roberts as clients.

The new BIMsight is a centralised maintenance and communication tool, facilitating a paperless process which detects, reacts to and corrects design errors before on-site construction begins. Unlike other Tekla software it does not require training.

To tailor the information embedded in the model, Tekla uses industry foundation classes (IFC) for interoperability, meaning other collaborators can comment on the model but not change it, retaining full control for the creator.

Tekla cites increased efficiency, reduced risks and improvements to safety, as primary benefits; while BIMsight also addresses a demand for sustainability through prefabrication and site management.

“Tekla’s mission is to drive the evolution to digital information modeling, multiplying our customers’ potential to think and achieve big in their projects and businesses,” explains executive vice president Risto Räty.

“Understanding BIM as a centralized process rather than ‘just a model’ requires cooperation and goodwill between the construction disciplines. This is exactly what we want to achieve with the new Tekla BIMsight software, and our part of the goodwill is to distribute it for free, for the whole industry to easily take into use,” Räty concludes.

Tekla BIMsight is available to download from www.teklabimsight.com

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ARCHITECTURE | AIAME LAUNCH EVENT

Setting standards The Big Project attends the official launch of the American Institute of Architect’s fifth international chapter, in Dubai

P Chapter president Thierry Paret.

Sherif W. Anis, treasurer and Middle East regional director.

Hisham Youssef events and communications director.

romoting the “artistic, scientific, and practical profession of its members”, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) was founded in Washington DC, 1857.

Now comprising an international network of five chapters hosting 80,000 members globally, the latest chapter, AIAME, was officially launched at a reception in Dubai last month.

Covering the MENA region, AIAME also has country representatives in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, in addition to the UAE; with a physical office located in Abu Dhabi.

“The feedback we have received from the architectural community has been very positive. We have received a lot of support from both existing and prospective members and the construction industry at large,” says chapter president, Thierry Paret.

The AIA’s objective is to establish and extend the services provided to members of other chapters, while also engaging with the region’s architectural community, government bodies and educational institutions.

The chapter seeks to address the differences in professional practices between the American and MENA industries, including helping members with the adoption of local codes such as Estidama.

The aim is to uphold high design standards and educate members via a series of networking and seminar events, tours and

lectures. The chapter also offers “a means for local recognition of credentials and professional experience” and is supported by other overseas members.

Seminars will be used to reinforce the organisation’s values and discuss professional issues, primarily concerning ethics and conduct, particularly ownership of intellectual property.

“We will address technical excellence in construction methods; in terms of means, sustainability, promotion of excellence design and mentorship of students and young professionals; ethics and continuing education for architects,” Paret explains.

“The profession is also ever evolving and as such we will focus on new topics as they become more relevant to the industry.”

Additionally, Paret comments that the collaboration such initiatives will provide can facilitate much needed “cross pollination” between the different firms practising in the region.

“For American architects practising locally, being away from home tends to lead to a more solitary approach to design,” Paret explains, adding: “We want to change this by making the professionals part of the 80,000 strong AIA community.

“This is a great opportunity to learn, teach and engage with our peers. I believe this is a win-win situation for all.”

“The profession is also ever evolving and as such we will focus on new topics as they become more relevant to the industry”

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Suppliers in the spotlight A round-up of the latest news and announcements from industry suppliers in the Middle East

Arcure

Victaulic

Anchor Allied

New detection system to reduce onsite collisions

Installation-ready flexible coupling introduced

Expansions valued at US$7.1m planned for Sharjah

The Paris-based technology developer Arcure, is conducting a pilot project for an embedded vision-based detection system, Blaxtair.

The system, which will become a “safety standard” is designed to minimise the occurrence and impact of onsite collisions between pedestrians and industrial machinery.

Based on a camera system with built in pedestrian recognition equipment, Blaxtair can detect obstacles and locate them in relation to the machine, creating visual and audio alerts to warn both the pedestrian and driver.

A control display creates high quality, undistorted field images for drivers to accurately interpret distances and shapes, with high detection and low false alert rates.

“Without an efficient detection device, safety is very difficult to implement,” said CEO Patrick Mansuy.

“Preventing collisions between moving machinery and pedestrians on site is a major concern for most industrial activities such as building, logistics, heavy industry and carriage.

Until now, no real solution had been found and injury statistics are still worrying,” he added.

According to Arcure, more than 10,000 collisions occur in Europe every year, causing around 1000 deaths and costing €1bn.

Collisions account for 40% of all fatal accidents involving building machines.

“It was mandatory to develop a technology assisting the driver and being able to raise a pertinent alarm in case a pedestrian was threatened,” Mansuy added.

Pipe and joining systems manufacturer, Victaulic has launched a time-saving coupling to its installation-ready product line.

The Style 177 QuickVicflexible coupling features a proprietary EHP gasket material to maintain performance under temperatures ranging from 34°C to 121°C. The product is designed for use in HVAC systems, utility and, process piping and mining applications. It is designed for joining standard roll-grooved and cut-grooved steel pipes.

“Victaulic is focused on providing innovative solutions that customers need to get ahead,” said regional manager Rami Mahmoud.

“Our installation-ready product line helps customers meet and exceed their schedules and offer a safer, flame-free solution, which reduces man hours,” he added.

The new coupling has no loose parts and does not require nuts, bolts, gaskets or housings to be disassembled before installation.

A grooved joint can be assembled by inserting the new product onto pipe or fitting ends and tightening with standard hand tools or an impact gun.

The coupling’s centering bolt pad design offers metal-to-metal connection that gives a visual confirmation of proper installation.

According to Victaulic this makes installation “faster, easier and safer than any other solution currently available”.

Founded in 1925, Victaulic has been operating in the Middle East since the 1970s, opening an office in Jebel Ali, Dubai, in 1999.

Demand for specialist sealants and adhesives has lead to a multi-million dollar expansion plan for manufacturer Anchor Allied.

The company, a subsidiary of Masharie, the private equity arm of Dubai Investments PSJC, will invest US$7.1m in a dual-phased expansion of its Sharjah factory. Both phases are due for completion by May this year; creating 60 new jobs for floor staff.

“Anchor Allied remains focused on consolidating its position as the largest manufacturer of adhesives and sealants in the Middle East.

This project expansion, in line with our corporate growth strategy, reaffirms our commitment to increasing our presence across categories that are in high demand,” said general manager, Mustafa Kachwala.

The highest increases in demand have been witnessed in central and southern Africa and east Europe.

“Once the expansion is complete, we will have annual production capacity of more than 18 million additional cans of aerosols per year.”

Anchor’s product catalogue includes sealants, aerosol spray paints, insecticides and automotive-care products. In October 2010, a new range of weather sealants was launched, branded ASMACO 2670.

The company was established in 1995 and currently operates through a network of distributors, retailing the leading brand, ASMACO, throughout the GCC and Indian sub-continent, east Europe, America, Africa and CIS countries.

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40% proportion of all fatal accidents involving building vehicles caused by collisions

Absol International

Orimix

Domopan

New green products launched across MENA

Supplier unveils rebranding and expansion plans

Green building solutions showcased in Doha, Qatar

Reporting a “soaring” demand for environment-friendly insulation and acoustic solutions in the region, Dubai-based Absol International LLC has announced plans to launch a new green product range.

The new products include a thermal and acoustic insulation marketed as Monoglass and an acoustic underlay, Damtec.

“With sustainability becoming the new focus of the construction industry, market demand is rising for new acoustic products and reinforcements that are non-toxic, biodegradable and recyclable, while providing enhanced fire rating, high noise reduction, high moisture barrier and strength,” said director Gaurav Sharrma.

“We are expanding our focus beyond the traditional product line-up and we expect a healthy and steadily growing demand for these products,” Sharrma added.

Monoglass forms monolithic layers of insulation; the Class 1 fire-rated product conforms to EU standards for bio-non-persistence. It offers thermal, noise and reverberation control.

Damtec, made from 90% recycled rubber, is an alternative underlay for flooring.

The company says it is the only supplier of “green compliant insulation” in the region.

Absol has supplied insulation and acoustic solutions to Ferrari World, Yas Island; Dubai American School and Emirates Aluminium.

The company is now looking at new markets in Qatar.

“We are expecting a scale-up in the demand for our products,” Sharrma added.

Concrete producer Orimix unveiled a new identity and announced expansions into “key MENA markets”, at an event held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al-Sharqi, Deputy Ruler of Fujairah.

The new corporate strategy, Ocean to Ocean, identifies Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as “the next most potent markets” for the ready mix concrete (RMC) supplier and its allied businesses.

The company has already set up subsidiaries in Casablanca, Morocco and Cairo.

“The management has concluded a feasibility study for an RMC project in Abu Dhabi, as well as initiated feasibility studies for ready mix projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” said company chairman Abdullah Ahmad Al-Shaheen.

“We are also looking out for opportunities by diversifying into other product ranges such as interlocking bricks, which will bring synergies to our existing business line.”

Orimix, established in 1989, has 10 plants in four locations, serving the east cost of the UAE and Omani territories.

Orimix has supplied Fujairah Airport, the National Bank of Fujairah, 47 S Fujairah Tower and Kalba-Oman Road. Diversification plans will see the company supply other product ranges, which aim to “provide end-to-end solutions for the RMC industry in the long run”.

“Having achieved the goals of the company in our expansion we will explore opportunities in other geographic regions to maintain our organic growth,” Al Shaheen added.

Regional suppliers of green building materials, Domopan, demonstrated the new Domosystem at Qatar’s Green Building Solutions Conference and Exhibition, held in Doha last month.

The method is capable of delivering energy savings of up to 30% and financial savings nearing 15% of total building costs, by reducing production time by 50%, said the company.

Domosystem uses lightweight prefabricated materials manufactured with naturally nontoxic polystyrene and is made incorporating quality and environmental standards adopted in the USA, UK, EU and Middle East.

“Domopan is fully committed to delivering premium-quality, self-sustaining and ecofriendly building materials and solutions to our customers in Qatar,” said Fouad Hamdan, Managing Director of Domopan Qatar.

“Demand for green building solutions has particularly increased recently in light of new regulations and the government’s vision to ensure more sustainable development of the country as a whole.”

Established in Qatar in 2007, Domopan’s operations today span the entire GCC and are ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified.

“The triumphant bid to host the World Cup has only further strengthened the need for high-standard, sustainable solutions, creating long-term prospects for our business. Moreover, the exhibition served as a crucial component in our growth plans for 2011 and the rest of the decade,” Hamdan added.

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SUPPLIER | NEWS

“Demand for green building solutions has increased recently in light of new regulations and the government’s vision to ensure a more sustainable development of the country “

SUPPLIER HOTSEAT |SHELL LUBRICANTS

Well-oiled operations This month Shell lubricants launches a new range of products in the Middle East. General manger Amr Adel speaks to The Big Project about innovation, value and choice

I

n April 2011 Shell introduces a new range of industrial lubricants and transmission fluid portfolios. The range of six products (see box) is the result of a three year research and design process, conducted by the company, which concluded a demand among clients for a simplified selection system.

The new products, which feature clearer labeling and standardised packaging, are also designed for easy identification and storage.

The range is based around “key tiers”, each offering different levels of protection comprising; entry, mainline, premium and advanced.

To assist clients, the new range will be accompanied by an “old to new” conversion tool; product guides, colour coding and visual icons, to reduce the risk of misapplication.

Products with overlapping applications have been removed with new “speciality and synthetic” products added.

“Research into the way our customers choose and use lubricants revealed they often find the array of choice confusing,” explains general manager Amr Adel.

“While recognising the importance of correct lubricant choice and application, clients also welcomed changes that would make the process simpler.

“With this in mind, we have redesigned the range, removing products with overlapping applications - or whose technology had been replaced by more advanced formulas - whilst improving choice by selectively adding speciality and synthetic products.”

Meeting client needs

Explaining that innovation is “constant” within the company, Adel says the new products underline Shell’s “commitment to leadership and innovation in the lubricants business”.

“To address this opportunity we have developed simplified, yet comprehensive ranges built around the value generated by our latest technology and synthetic lubricants, which are designed to meet client’s needs.”

As a result, Adel says the range is “less-complex and more logical”.

“The product naming systems help make selecting the right lubricant easier. The systems follow the principles already successfully rolled

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ABOVE: Shell Lubricants general manager, Amr Adel.

“Whilst recognising the importance of correct lubricant choice and application, clients also welcomed changes that would make the process simpler” out and well received worldwide for our leading heavy duty and automotive ranges.”

Rapid expansion

Shell’s Lubricants division manufactures and blends products for use in mining, power generation and commercial transport. Products are manufactured and marketed in more countries than any other lubricants supplier.

With a focus on developing products and services “that provide both superior protection and efficiency”, in 2002, Shell acquired Pennzoil-Quaker State Company to become the USA’s primary lubricants supplier.

“We are expanding rapidly into emerging

markets while continuing to seek growth in our heartland markets,” Adel says.

“Economic conditions globally have been tough. Overall we have declines in demand due to problems in business sectors and industries such as construction.”

In 2006, Shell acquired a 75% share in Tongyi; China’s leading independent lubricant manufacturer, giving Shell the third largest share of the Chinese market.

“In November 2009, we opened our sixth lube oil blending plant in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China. With a production capacity of 200 million litres a year, and the potential for a phased development to 400 million litres a year, the complex could become one of Shell’s top three lubricant blending plants worldwide in volume terms,” he adds.

“We differentiate ourselves through better technology, which results from our 4D process; to define, design, develop and demonstrate.

“Our systematic approach to product development combines a deep understanding of the client’s challenges, with applied fundamental science and an innovative approach to component selection,” Adel says.

“The result is breakthrough products with proven customer benefits.”

Shell’s new product range, introduced April 2011 Shell Tellus- hydraulic oils Shell Omala- gear oils Shell Corena- compressor oils Shell Spirax- axle and transmission oils Shell Gadus – greases Shell Tonna- slideway oils A new grease portfolio will follow in June this year.

New features of Shell’s industrial and transmission lubricants range: Simple labeling systems Standardised packaging for easy storage, stacking and identification

Coryn Helliwell.

Based in Bahrain

CBRE’s newest recruit Coryn Hellewell will head the company’s growing office in Bahrain

W

ith a decade of experience under her belt, Coryn Hellewell’s latest role with CB Richard Ellis will see her tasked with expanding the presence of real estate consultancy in Bahrain.

Bahrain’s iconic World Trade Centre towers.

A firm with a world-wide presence and strong reputation, Hellewell will front the company’s rapidly growing Bahraini base, with responsibility for new business development for residential leasing, across all asset levels.

“Our aim is to establish the CBRE name in the local market place for agency leasing,” Hellewell comments “We will also be developing a residential leasing team, who will lease properties on behalf of all landlords in Bahrain. In addition, we are also looking to increase the number of residential properties in our management portfolio,” she adds.

Appointed at the start of March, Hellewell previously worked as an associate director of residential leasing for Cluttons LLP, also in Bahrain. As a result, Hellewell has extensive knowledge of the market in the kingdom, to bring to this new role.

CBRE’s world-wide presence extends through 200 offices, excluding affiliates, and 31,000 employees.

Head quartered in Los Angeles the firm has been present in the Middle East for a number of year, opening the Bahrain office in November 2008. Also with a strong presence in the UAE, the firm publishes regular reports on both the real estate and commercial letting markets region-wide.

Services include valuations, master plan advisory, best use and feasibility studies and the company serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers. In addition CBRE also offers development services, investment management and facilities and project management.

In a Q4 2010 analysis of the Bahraini market, CBRE said the kingdom is on target to meet a 4% annual GDP growth and that international ratings agencies Fitch and C&P reaffirmed Bahrain’s ‘A’ grade rating for sovereign debt.

Bahrain’s government has set a budget of BN240 million for social housing projects this year, and Qatar’s successful World Cup bid has renewed interested in the stalled Friendship Bridge project.

“We are delighted that Coryn Hellewell is joining our team,” says senior director or valuations Richard Botham.

“Coryn has been actively involved in real estate for many years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience which will be invaluable to CBRE. “This appointment represents a significant expansion of our professional team during challenging times, growing our business and allowing us to offer clients even more comprehensive services in the residential sector.”

Hellewell adds: “I am thrilled to have been appointed by the world’s leading commercial property consultancy and I look forward to utilizing the many advantages that CB Richard Ellis can offer its clients, not only in Bahrain but pan-Gulf.”

About CBRE Operating in Bahrain since 2008, services from CB Richard Ellis include: •

Local market analysis and reports

•

Analysis and reporting of regional and global trends

•

Portfolio analysis and investment strategy

•

Business information service

•

Bespoke consultancy services

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CAREER LADDER | Coryn Hellewell

”This appointment represents a significant expansion of our professional team during challenging times”

Project Name

Pipeline Construction Project - Zirku Island Oil Processing & Distribution Facilities

Project Number MPP2388-U Territory Abu Dhabi Client Name Zakum Development Company ZADCO (Abu Dhabi) City Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code 46808 Country United Arab Emirates Phone (+971-2) 605 0000 Fax (+971-2) 678 9448 Website http://www.zadco.com Description Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a new 12-inch pipeline to replace an existing transit route for an oil company.

Budget $ 50000000 Period 15/07/2012 Status Current Project Updated On March 6, 2011 Engineering works have commenced.

Construction is expected to start in August 2011.

Updated On January 20, 2011 Updated On October 18, 2010 Remarks Local Galfar Engineering & Contracting is understood to be lowest bidder for the EPC contract with a bid of $32 million, beating rival proposals from local Adyard, Italy's Saipem and Ireland's Kentz. An award is anticipated in the first quarter of 2011, with construction expected to commence by December

2011.This project is part of a $50 million-plus upgrade of the Zirku Island oil processing and distribution facilities, located 140 kilometres northwest of Abu Dhabi. The scheme is part of a wider programme to upgrade the Client's oily water treatment and disposal facilities. Oman’s Galfar Engineering & Contracting has been appointed as the EPC contractor.

Main Contractor Galfar Engineering & Contracting Emirates (Abu Dhabi) Tender Categories Hydrocarbon Processing, Storage & Distribution Oilfield Development

Project Name

2030 Tower Project Sowwah Island Project Number OPR452-U Territory Abu Dhabi Client Name Endless Real Estate Investment Company (Abu Dhabi) City Abu Dhabi Country United Arab Emirates Description Construction of 20-storey 2030 Tower in Sowwah Island comprising luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom residential apartments, retail spaces, coffee shops as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium with Jacuzzis.

Budget $ 46000000 Status New Tender Remarks This project is in Abu Dhabi. Located at the heart of Sowwah Square, right across from Cleveland Clinic, the new residential and commercial tower will cater to the various needs of people working on the Island.

Client has assigned local Baniyas

Investment & Development Company (BID), the investment arm of Baniyas Sports Club to develop this project. Work will commence soon.

Tender Categories Housing Projects; Leisure

Project Name

Fujairah City Centre Project Project Number ZPR183-U Territory Northern Emirates Client Name Majid Al-Futtaim Group (Dubai) Address Majid Al Futtaim Tower, Deira City Center City Dubai Postal/Zip Code 60811 Country United Arab Emirates Phone (+971-4) 294 9999 / 294 2444 Fax (+971-4) 209 3499 Email inquiry@mafgroup.co.ae Website http://www. majidalfuttaim.com Description Construction of Fujairah City Centre comprising a new shopping mall, including a 22-storey hotel, an ice rink, 6 cinemas and more than 100 outlets.

Budget $ 116000000 Status Current Project Remarks This project is in Fujairah and will cover an area of 134,000 square metres. Local Commodore Contracting Company has been appointed as the main contractor.

Foundation works for the hotel have been completed. Local Khansaheb Civil Engineering has been awarded a $68 million contract to build the shopping mall in this development. Scope

News

UAE

XXXXXXXX MENA PROJECTS | XXXXXXXXXX | TENDERS

TENDERS

The latest tenders and project updates for developments in MENA

of work involves construction of a single-level mall, with a total built-up area of approximately 50,000 square metres. The mall will include about 100 shops, food courts and restaurants. It will also include car parking for about 1,000 vehicles. Work is scheduled to commence on April 01, 2011 and completed in a year.

Main Architect Architectural Consulting Group - ACG (Abu Dhabi) Main Contractor Commodore Contracting Company L.L.C (Abu Dhabi) Main Contractor(1) Khansaheb Civil Engineering (Dubai) Tender Categories Housing Projects; Hotels; Leisure

Project Name

Microchip Factory Project Project Number OPR433-U Territory Abu Dhabi Client Name Advanced Technology Investment Company (Abu Dhabi) Address 11th Floor, Obeid Bldg., Muroor Road City Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code 114540 Country United Arab Emirates Phone (+971-2) 413 4333 Fax (+971-2) 413 0133 Email aticinfo@atic.ae Website http://www. advancedtechnologyic.com Description Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a stateof-the-art microchip factory with capacity to produce 300-millimetre, 12-inch silicon wafers.

Budget $ 6000000000

ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL www.thebigprojectme.com | 69

MENA PROJECTS | TENDERS

Period 2015 Status New Tender Remarks This project will be located on a three square kilometre site next to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

On completion, it would be the first chip manufacturing facility in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Silicon wafers are semiconductors fabricated to carry out a number of electronic functions in an integrated circuit. The facility will be owned and operated by the Client's subsidiary Globalfoundries. It is understood that bids have been submitted for the EPC contract. Bidders include US' CH2M Hill and Germany's M&W Group. An award is expected in mid-2011 and tendering for the EPC sub-contract is expected to commence.

Tender Categories Industrial & Special Projects

Project Name

New Mafraq Hospital Project Project Number OPR377-U Territory Abu Dhabi Client Name Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) Address Defence Road, Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre Block Executive Bldg., 2nd Floor City Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code 109090 Country United Arab Emirates Phone (+971-2) 410 2522 / 410 2516 / 410 2503 Fax (+971-2) 634 1104 Website http://www.seha.ae Description Construction of new state-of-the-art Mafraq Hospital comprising (690) beds, (60) examination and treatment rooms, (147) outpatient rooms, including underground parking facility for (1,300) vehicles.

Budget $ 800000000 Period 2014

Status Current Project Remarks This project is in Abu Dhabi. Spread across 245,000 square metres, the new facilities will replace the existing Mafraq Hospital, which currently has (431) beds and is managed by Bumrungrad International. The scheme will be designed using environmentally friendly and energy-efficient design elements, and will be constructed under the most stringent sustainable principles available. Wastewater will be recycled, fibre-optic interior sun lighting will be used to reduce electrical use, electrical lighting will be low-voltage LED-based, and there will be extensive use of solar panels, passive cooling and shading, and promotion of on-site renewable energy production. US' Burt Hill has designed this project, while the process of design and construction is being managed by Abu Dhabi-based Allen & Shariff Corporation. A joint venture of local/South Africa’s Al Habtoor Leighton Group and Murray & Roberts has been appointed as the main contractor. Project completion is expected by mid2014.

Main Consultant Allen & Shariff International (Abu Dhabi) Design Consultant Burt Hill (Dubai) Project Manager Allen & Shariff International (Abu Dhabi) Main ContractorAl Habtoor Leighton Group (Dubai) Main Contractor(1) Murray & Roberts Limited (Dubai) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor Swissboring Overseas Corporation Ltd. (Abu Dhabi) Tender Categories Housing Projects; Medicalv

LEBANON

Project Name

Sama Beirut Tower Project Project Number MPP2396-LE Territory Lebanon Client Name Antonios Projects (Lebanon) Address C/o. Prime Consult, Park Tower, 1st Floor, Elias Sarkis Avenue, Achrafieh City Beirut 20628306 Postal/Zip Code 113590 Country Lebanon Phone (+961-1) 332 300 Fax (+961-1) 331 300 Email info@sama-beirut.com Website http://www. primeconsult.net Description Construction of 50-storey, 200-metre-high Sama Beirut Tower comprising seven floors of offices and 40 residential floors, which will contain 71 apartments, including seven basements dedicated to parking facilities for more than 700 cars.

Budget $ 330000000 Period 2014 Status New Tender Remarks This project will be located in the Sodeco area of Beirut, near to the airport and downtown Beirut and is set to become the tallest tower. The building will be leadership in energy and environment design (LEED) certified. The tower will also contain a 1,000 square metre private health club and swimming pool. Excavation and shoring works are ongoing and will be completed in the second quarter of 2011. Local MAN Enterprise is understood to be front-runner for the main construction contract on this scheme. Client is in final negotiations and an award is expected by the end of March 2011.

ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL 70 | www.thebigprojectme.com

Main Consultant Prime Consult (Lebanon) Main Architect Elie Saab (Lebanon) Project Manager D G Jones & Partners Middle East (Lebanon) Main Architect-1 Erga Group Architects & Consulting Engineers (Lebanon) Foundations, Enabling & Piling Contractor Profond Liban Sal (Lebanon) Tender Categories Leisure; Prestige Buildings

SAUDI ARABIA

Project Name

Industrial Support Facilities - Wasit Gas Development Project Number ZPR281-SA Territory Saudi Arabia Client Name Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) City Dhahran 31311 Postal/Zip Code 5000 Country Saudi Arabia Phone (+966-3) 872 0115 / 874 5885 Fax (+966-3) 873 8190 Website http://www. saudiaramco.com Description Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build industrial support facilities, as part of the Wasit gas development project.

Budget $ 60000000 Period 2013 Status Current Project Remarks This project is at Al Sharqiyah in Saudi Arabia. Local Mohammad Al Mojil Group has been appointed as the EPC contractor. Construction of the facilities is expected to

Project Name

Daba IPP Project Project Number SPR2110-SA Territory Saudi Arabia Client Name Saudi Electricity Company - Central Region (Saudi Arabia) Address Burj Al Faisaliyah Bldg., Floor 22, King Fahad Road City Riyadh 11416 Postal/Zip Code 22955 Country Saudi Arabia Phone (+966-1) 461 9030 / 461 9009 Fax (+966-1) 403 2222 Email informus@se.com.sa Website http://www.se.com.sa Description Construction of an independent power plant (IPP) at Daba with total capacity of 1,600 MW.

Budget $ 1100000000 Period 2017 Status New Tender Remarks This project is in Saudi Arabia. It will be implemented in two phases. Each phase will have a capacity of 500 MW. The scheme is being executed with private developers acquiring 80% stake of the project, with the remaining 20% being held by the client. Invitation to bid (ITB) for the developer's contract is expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2012. The first phase (500 to 800 MW) is expected to be completed in 2016, while the second phase (500 to 800 MW) is expected to be completed in 2017.

Tender Categories Power Generation & Distribution

EGYPT

Project Name

Phosphate Fertilizer Plant Project Project Number ZPR226-E Territory Egypt Client Name National Fertilizers Company (Egypt) Address C/o. Egypt Kuwait Holding Bldg., 14 Hassan Mohammed Al Razzaz Street, Dokki City Cairo Country Egypt Phone (+20-2) 3336 3300 Fax (+20-2) 3335 8989 Email info@ekholding.com Website http://www.ekholding. com Description Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a phosphate fertilizer plant with capacity of 1.5 million tonnes a year (t/y).

Budget $ 259000000 Period 15/06/2013 Status Current Project Remarks This project will be located in Sadat City in Beheira.

The plant will have a production capacity of 1.5 million t/y of phosphate fertilizers, including ammonium sulphate, calcium chloride, sulfuric acid, potassium sulfate, granular single super phosphate, and compound fertilizers. The produced phosphate fertilizers will be mainly targeted to export markets. France's Litwin has been appointed as the EPC

contractor. Engineering works have commenced. Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2011.

Main Contractor Litwin (France) Tender Categories Industrial & Special Projects

IRAQ

Project Name

Crude Oil Export Terminal Expansion Project - Phase 1 Project Number ZPR198-IQ Territory Iraq Client Name South Oil Company (Iraq) Address South Oil Company Complex, Bab Al Zubair Area City Basrah Postal/Zip Code 21 Country Iraq Phone (+964-40) 319 310 Email info@soc-basrah.com Website http://www.soc-basrah. com Description Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a crude oil export terminal with capacity of 4.5 million barrels per day (bpd).

Budget $ 733000000 Period 15/03/2012 Status Current Project Remarks This project is in Basra.

Scope of work includes: - Pipelines, 20 kilometres onshore and 120 kilometres offshore.

- Three SPM systems (single point mooring systems).

- 600 metric tonnes Valve Manifold.

- Dredging works to achieve pipeline trenching and sufficient water depth for VLCC mooring.

- Onshore facilities at FAO terminal.

- Sub-sea Fibre-Optic Cables and

Composite Power Fibre-Optic Cables.

- Telecommunications and SCADA systems.

The terminal has a current production capacity of 1.8 million bpd of oil and is expected to reach 4.5 million bpd upon completion of the project. Dubai-based Leighton International has been appointed as the EPC contractor. Construction works have commenced on this development. The project is due to be completed in March 2012. US' Foster Wheeler has been appointed as the project manager and engineering consultant.

Project Manager Foster Wheeler International (Abu Dhabi) Main ContractorLeighton International FZ L.L.C (Dubai) Tender Categories Oilfield Development; Hydrocarbon Processing, Storage & Distribution

JORDAN

Project Name

Jordan Red Sea Project - Phase 1 Project Number ZPR195-J Territory Jordan Client Name Jordan Red Sea Project Company (JRSP) Address Arabtech Jardaneh Bldg.

No. 8, Between 6th & 7th Circle, Al Tabasheer Street 3 City Amman Country Jordan Phone (+962-6) 581 7073 Email info@jrsp-jordan.com Website http://www.jrsp-jordan. com Description Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract for the development of the first phase of Jordan Red Sea Project (JRSP) involving construction of a desalination plant with capacity of 200 million cubic metres a year.

ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL www.thebigprojectme.com | 71

MENA PROJECTS | TENDERS

commence by end of 2011.

Main Contractor Mohammad Al Mojil Group (Saudi Arabia) Tender Categories Industrial & Special Projects

02 - 05 May 2011

Doha Exhibition CEntEr Doha Qatar

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Shape the world’S neweSt SkylineS THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXHIBITION FOR CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY, BUILDING MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY FOR QATAR For sales enquiries please contact: Mr. Michel Gebrael m: +974 5551 7971 t: +974 4432 9900 f: +974 4443 2891 Email: michel.gebrael@ifpqatar.com Or Email us at: info@projectqatar.com Alternatively you can fill our electronic form at: www.projectqatar.com DIAMOND SPONSOR

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GLOBAL TRENDS

4%

The annual growth of Asia Pacific’s commercial building stock; 20 times the rate of India’s and double that of the Middle East, it is the fastest growing stock in the world. The stocks of North America and Europe remain at an average 0.5-1%.

$2.5 billion

The amount state-owned Dohaland aims to raise by the end of 2013, for restoration projects in Doha

$406billion

The forecast value of the green building materials market by 2015; driven by the rising cost of energy and green building legislation

$106.2b

The value of rail projects underway across the GCC

1.65 million

Affordable houses will need to be build in Saudi Arabia by 2017.

DIARY MENA Hospital Build Europe Exhibition and Congress Dubai: April 4-6

The three day congress at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is directed towards tapping emerging opportunities in the building and construction industry sector. Providing trade professionals with a viable platform for meeting and exchanging ideas under one roof.

MENA Building and Construction Expo Jordan: April 4-7

Jordan’s premier platform for building companies and professionals in the design and construction business. The show is organized by Al-Mutaaleq in cooperation with public and private Jordanian companies in the design and construction business.

Real Estate and Investment Exhibition Kuwait: April 11-16

An international business platform for promoting trans-regional trade and direct investments, covering several industrial and trade sectors. Buyers and sellers can meet and explore opportunities in trade, exchange technological know-how, source materials and expand into regional markets.

CityBuild Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi: April 17-20

Now in its second year, CityBuild Abu Dhabi is described as a “premier event for construction products, and the solution for key industry buyers”.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi April 17-20

Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the international property investment and development event focusses on all aspects of the property development cycle.

Basrah BuildExpo Iraq: April 22-25

More than 130 exhibitors from 10 countries will be participating in the international trade exhibition for construction technology, building materials and equipment industry in Iraq.

International Cersanex Moscow: April 5-8

One of 12 exhibitions in Moscow this week, Cersanex is dedicated to ceramics, ceramic manufacture and bathroom and sanitary ware.

The event is split into distinct sectors, helping the industry’s buyers find products and services.

Other expos focus on stone, building materials and supplies, windows and fireproof systems.

Hargould EcoShowcase London: April 11-7

Providing construction professionals and product manufacturers with unique opportunities to meet and discuss the latest product innovations and key industry issues.

China International Lighting Exhibition Beijing: April 11-8

Also known as China Lighting Expo, this is the first international exhibition themed by lighting design and engineering, providing unprecedented promotional, sales, and networking opportunities for companies to meet industry regulators, influences throughout the supply chain and decision makers.

Monolith Civil Engineering Minsk: April 19-22

Lifting equipment, mass concrete and formwork; this is the only once place where engineers, builders and general public can meet under one roof.

www.thebigprojectme.com | 73

DIARY | INDUSTRY EVENTS

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Your Shout

Continuing the theme of change, we asked exhibitors at Arabian Construction Week: “What would you change about the industry?” little more to implement, but you will have a vastly superior product, not only through construction but also through the maintenance of your building and its life cycle.

It’s the same thing when it comes to sustainable design. People try to sell more expensive products that reduce for example the energy the building consumes, or the impact on the environment for structural material.

Investment is required but there is a strong ROI. Riad Mannan

Big 5 conference director DMG: Events

Maged Makar

Product engireering department manager Daikin

There are no issues in the supply hain which we have witnessed, but the market has crashed, especially in the UAE so we have to look at business opportunities outside of the UAE. To help the economic situation the Saudi Arabian market needs to open up to the UAE; that would help.

Saudi is opening up a little and the recent announcement of private loans for outside companies helps but it can still improve.

Husein Vasowala

BCL business communications LLC Saudi Tenders, SBU manager

We need to open the market. For example, there are certain regulations where only a registered company can bid for a tender, yet the market needs to be totally open now.

If closed markets, such as

construction opportunities in the oil industry opened up it would be good for the industry as there is a lot of opportunity in such sectors. But still people are not able to bid because they are not registered and it isn’t easy to register. It can be very difficult to do business out here.

Stefano Fuson

Sales area manager Faresin

They should make the competition more fair; what I mean is to protect the general know how of each country and allow everybody to make a global sell, but also to put everybody at the same market starting line.

Corruption within the industry is also an issue.

We come across both problems regularly and the frequency is rising. New contracts become a matter of tip-offs and referrals; who knows who, how to get the project and get the information in advance. This makes the situa-

74 | www.thebigprojectme.com

tion difficult to manage.

The economy is not healthy anywhere and some countries are more active, some less.

Considering the political situation across the Middle East and Africa, this is not helping the industry or financial markets to recover economically. In some cases, it is even cooling the advances that have been made recently.

Elizabeth Peters

Structural BIM manager iTech

As a company we want to see BIM technology used to its full potential to deliver a higher quality product and that is the most powerful improvement that could be made right now.

Things are done in a set way that has worked for a lot of people for a long time and it’s scary; change is scary for a lot of people, especially when there’s a cost involved.

The challenge we have is to prove to them that yes it may cost a

Integrated working, construction partnerships, collaboration – call it what you like, but the idea of a construction project delivered through a high degree of teamwork, communication and cooperation is a global phenomenon which has yet to be fully utilized in the Middle East.

So why is it not used more here?

Here it has a lot to do with the historical way construction works in the Middle East and the lack of knowledge about what integrated working is and how to implement it. It takes time for a single company to change its methods and processes – and it takes a lot longer for a whole industry to change.

“New contracts become a matter of tip-offs and referrals; who knows who, how to get the project and get the information in advance. This makes the situation difficult to manage”

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