EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has announced registrations are open for its Q3 2024 auction for Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) in Abu Dhabi. The auction is scheduled to close on 13 September 2024.

CEC enables Abu Dhabi-based firms to decarbonise their energy consumption and reduce Scope 2 emissions. They empower organisations to track and verify progress made towards achieving their environmental goals by certifying that the electricity consumed originates from a renewable or clean energy source, said a statement from EWEC.

As a part of its mission to drive decarbonisation and diversify the UAE’s energy mix, EWEC has introduced wind-based CECs. These utilise power generated from the UAE’s first utility-scale wind programme, secured after EWEC signed a power purchase agreement in Q4 2023 with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar.

The introduction of wind CECs enables EWEC to supply organisations with electricity generated from multiple renewable and clean energy sources, further accelerating the UAE’s energy transition and decarbonising Abu Dhabi’s key economic sectors, including energy, industry, real estate, healthcare, sports, and events.

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC said, “EWEC is at the forefront of accelerating Abu Dhabi’s clean energy transition through, in part, our quarterly Clean Energy Certificate auctions. The broad participation in these auctions highlights the growing efforts of entities to reduce their carbon emissions and combat climate change in alignment with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. By incorporating wind energy CECs into our auctions, we have expanded the range of renewable and clean energy CECs available, empowering organisations to meet their sustainability targets using electricity from a variety of sources. We call on all businesses and organisations to participate in the upcoming auction and contribute to a sustainable, innovative future for the UAE.”

Issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy in units of one megawatt-hour (MWh) each, CEC certifies that the electricity consumed by the redeeming Abu Dhabi-based entity originates from a renewable or clean energy source.

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Emrill has made significant progress in its continuous improvement journey, launching initiatives that have not only transformed the organisation’s internal processes but also significantly benefited its clients through enhanced service delivery, efficiency and innovation, it has announced.

Over 22 years, the firm says it has prioritised continuous improvement as a core value. It primarily employs Lean Six Sigma methodologies to address challenges and drive improvements, enabling it to develop problem-solving culture and enhance the capabilities of its workforce.

Emrill’s continuous improvement initiatives have yielded several achievements; 50% of the eligible workforce is trained in identifying problems and opportunities and problem-solving skills. The firm has a target to increase this to 90% of employees by 2024. The organisation said it receives at least ten process improvement suggestions from employees each month, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous enhancement.

By leveraging robotic process automation (RPA), business intelligence tools, and real-time dashboards, Emrill has eliminated manual tasks, enhanced data visualisation, and improved decision-making processes. Since January 2023, Emrill has completed 20 improvement projects and 20 Kaizen events, with a target of at least five improvement projects per year. These initiatives have resulted in efficiency improvements ranging from 20 to 40%.

Stuart Harrison, CEO of Emrill commented, “Our continuous improvement initiatives are at the heart of Emrill’s strategy to deliver world-class service quality and innovation. By investing in our people and processes, we ensure we stay ahead of industry standards and consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Emrill’s continuous improvement efforts have significantly impacted customer satisfaction through improved service quality, efficient service delivery, and innovative solutions tailored to meet clients’ evolving needs and expectations. Every improvement project is rigorously evaluated against targets to ensure effectiveness and benefits for both the business and its clients. Through active participation in idea generation, problem-solving workshops, and feedback loops, employees have contributed to enhanced processes and services. The company celebrates its employees’ success stories, highlighting their critical role in driving continuous improvement, the firm stated.

Vinod Azir, Continuous Improvement Manager added, “The engagement and dedication of Emrill’s employees have been instrumental in driving our continuous improvement efforts. Their active participation in problem-solving and process enhancement has led to tangible benefits for both our business and our clients.”

Looking ahead, Emrill aims to engage 90% of eligible staff in effective tools and methods for problem-solving and continuous improvement. The organisation plans to benchmark and upgrade processes, aligning with cutting-edge technology and best practices to enhance efficiency. Emrill will prioritise digitalisation and process automation using RPA and analytics-based efficiency improvement projects.

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Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) has announced that its Southern Cluster has completed work on the second phase of the drinking water network project. The project is located in the city of Najran, Shroura governorate.

The water network aims to increase coverage and provide water to more than 106,000 customers in the 11 districts of Najran city.

NWC explained that Phase Two of the project covers the implementation and completion of water networks and pipes of various diameters, running to more than 319,000m. The network caters to the districts of Al Shurafa, Al Hadan, Al Jarbah, Taslal and Al Maashalia in Najran city, and the districts of Meshaal (A), Meshaal (B), Al Nuzha, Al Rawda, Al Akhashim and Al Fahad in Shroura governorate.

A company spokesperson explained, “NWC remains committed to achieving its strategic objectives to boost operational efficiency, provide the best services to customers and strengthen its infrastructure in all regions of the kingdom. This is done by increasing the coverage rates of the services that NWC offers to its customers, exemplified by the current completion of Phase Two.”

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Central Park Towers, DIFC has expanded its offering with the launch of new offices on Level 31. A statement noted that the move is in response to the region’s booming commercial real estate market.

Dubai’s Q1 2024 commercial real estate report by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) showcased an 8% increase in office space transactions compared to Q1 2023. This growth underscores Dubai’s position as a leading business hub, prompting Central Park Towers, DIFC expansion, said the statement.

“We’re witnessing a surge in demand for premium office space. Established firms are upgrading or expanding, while new businesses are setting up in Dubai. The city’s dynamic environment, strategic location, and diverse opportunities make it a haven for entrepreneurs and investors. Our new furnished level caters directly to these needs and more,” says Nemo Stojanovic, Director of Leasing and Marketing at Central Park Towers, DIFC.

Level 31 offers 14 fully furnished office units, ranging from 1,000 to 1,700sqft. Designed for modern businesses, the level boasts dedicated meeting rooms and an inspiring outdoor terrace.

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LWK + PARTNERS has promoted Beth Bertiz to the position of MENA Operations Director. In addition, the firm also announced investments in Saudi talent, and has welcomed its first Saudi architect, Faris Alkhaldi.

With over 25 years of experience in the architecture and design industry, Bertiz will oversee all operations and drive the delivery of innovative and sustainable architectural solutions, serving clients in the region and ensuring service and quality in projects, the firm said in a statement.

“We are delighted to have Beth step into this pivotal role,” said Kerem Cengiz, MENA Managing Director, LWK + PARTNERS. “Her expertise and leadership skills make her the ideal candidate to lead our MENA operations from the Kingdom as we continue to expand our presence and impact in the region. We are confident that under her leadership, our studios will reach new heights.”

Alkhaldi is said to bring a fresh perspective and deep understanding of the local culture and architectural landscape, further strengthening our commitment to nurturing and developing local expertise.

“Investing in local talent is a core Dart of our strategy in Saudi Arabia. We believe in local talent, and we are committed to providing opportunities for growth and development. Faris Alkhaldi’s addition to our team marks an important milestone in our journey,” noted Ivan Fu, CEO.

The move whilst Saudi Arabia is strengthening its trade relations with China, the increased cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China is expected to bring new opportunities for growth and development in various sectors, including architecture and urban development.

LWK + PARTNERS said it is contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering local talent and delivering architectural projects. Focusing on sustainability, innovation, and cultural sensitivity ensuring to create spaces that are not only functional but also enriching and transformative, the statement noted.

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Developer MERED has acquired a waterfront plot in Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The newly acquired plot spans 11,890sqm and is located on Al Reem Island; the island is said to have emerged as one of the top spots for premium apartments, with investor confidence soaring in H1 of 2024, according to Bayut.

The development is the first waterfront project for MERED and will offer a combination of residential and commercial spaces featuring innovative design and modern architecture that aligns with the company’s vision. The location, currently under development, will offer infrastructure, connectivity and amenities, making it a attractive investment opportunity. The project will offer 310 luxury apartments.

“Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has sustained its strong 2023 performance into 2024, with increasing confidence among local and international high-net-worth individuals and record-high foreign direct investments. With a 6% price appreciation for luxury residential apartments in the city in the first half of the year, this is the perfect time to begin the development of our exclusive project on Al Reem Island. Inspired by the success of our ICONIC Tower in Dubai, we are excited to bring the same quality, innovation, and sustainable development to Abu Dhabi. Our acquisition of this prime waterfront plot aligns with our vision to redefine real estate with timeless masterpieces that enhance cityscapes and enrich residents’ lifestyles,” said Diana Nilipovscaia, CEO at MERED.

The project’s location ensures direct access to Abu Dhabi’s key attractions and transport hubs, it is five minutes from Reem Central Park and 10 minutes from the city’s major thoroughfare Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Road. Residents are 15 minutes from the Galleria Mall and cultural landmarks like the Louvre and Saadiyat Marina and International airport is 30 minutes away, said a statement.

MERED said it has also begun with the construction of the ICONIC Tower, which is set to be the tallest in Dubai Internet City at 286.4m. Multiple partners have been brought on board to create the tower including global architectural design firm Pininfarina and Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) for interior design, among many others.

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JLL and Mashreq have partnered to advance the latter’s Net Zero goals for its global headquarters. The Mashreq Global Headquarters in Downtown Dubai was awarded the LEED Zero Carbon certification from the US Green Building Council for achieving Net Zero carbon emissions and prioritising energy efficiency through sustainable design and operations.

Based on its performance metrics of the past 12 months, the building’s Net Zero carbon status was realised through carbon emissions avoided or offset from the building’s annual operational energy and occupant transportation over a year, leading to a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) balance of zero for the bank’s global HQ during the assessed period.

Darren Denikiewicz, Head of Engineering & Energy, Project & Development Services UAE at JLL, said: “Having earned multiple LEED Zero certifications, Mashreq’s Global Headquarters is a model of environmental stewardship and reinforces the bank’s position as a sustainability champion in the UAE and the wider MENA region. Harnessing the potential of leading renewable energy technologies and innovations in design integration. JLL is working with Mashreq to fulfill its Net Zero goals and position it for long-term success through a compelling carbon emissions reduction strategy. As the social impact of green buildings becomes evident, we look forward to seeing more projects achieving LEED Zero certifications and making Net Zero goals a reality in the region.”

Bassem Fekry Farid, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Real Estate & Administration at Mashreq added, “Achieving the prestigious LEED Zero Carbon certification for our Global Headquarters is a testament to the significant strides that Mashreq has made in meeting global sustainability standards as we move towards a low-energy, reduced carbon footprint future. The transparent tracking of energy use and reliance on renewables aligns with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 agenda. Through our partnership with JLL’s energy and engineering services, we remain committed to fulfilling our carbon neutrality goals and scaling our impact to assure an enhanced quality of life for our employees, tenants, and the wider community.”

Leveraging JLL’s expertise in sustainability services, Mashreq Global HQ has committed to offset its carbon emissions for three years until 2027. To realise this ambitious goal, Mashreq has purchased Renewable Energy certificates that are Green-e Energy certified and are equivalent to the electricity consumed. Mashreq has also purchased Green-e Climate certified carbon offsets, equivalent to non-electricity emissions from chilled water consumption and transportation, the statement noted.

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Driven Properties has announced the sale of the largest plot in Business Bay, Dubai. The sale is said to mark a significant milestone for the area, paving the way for a new, sustainable office park.

The office park by Lamar Development will serve as a welcome addition to the area, addressing the critical shortage of Grade A office spaces in Business Bay and the city at large. With neighboring off-plan office developments seeing prices that exceed $1,900 per square foot, the sale solidifies Driven Properties’ position as a trusted provider, even in the face of short supply. This investment on the canal strip puts the Gross Development Value for Lamar’s existing and upcoming developments across the canal to over $3.26bn, said a statement.

The plot, sitting at the cusp of an extension of Marasi Drive, spans 333,000sqft with a gross floor area (GFA) of 1,020,000sqft, and is widely considered the most desirable location in Business Bay. Nestled within the Dubai Canal, its prime positioning and 270-degree waterfront views contribute to its exceptional appeal.

Abdullah Alajaji, Founder and CEO of Driven Properties commented, “This landmark deal in Business Bay exemplifies Driven Properties’ expertise in navigating complex, high-value transactions. We’re proud to have facilitated the sale of this plot, which will pave the way for a sustainable office park project that aligns with Dubai’s vision of a vibrant and sustainable city.”

The office park will feature a range of amenities, including a culture district, a performing arts theatre, and ultra-high-end office spaces. This project is poised to become a landmark destination in Business Bay, attracting businesses and professionals seeking a dynamic and modern work environment, the statement noted.

As the biggest plot in the area, this latest transaction adds to Driven Properties’ track record of facilitating high-value real estate deals in Dubai, particularly in the ultra-luxury sector.

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the construction of 10 truck rest stops, in co-operation with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). These are part of an initiative to create a series of 16 rest stops in key strategic locations.

The rest stop facilities are spread across six key locations, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road; Emirates Road, Dubai; Hatta Road, Dubai; Al Ain Road; Lehbab Road, Dubai; and Al Awir Road, all of which attract high volumes of daily truck traffic.

The rest stops cover a total area of over 75,000sqm, with an operational capacity exceeding 5,000 trucks and heavy vehicles and 700 parking lots. Each rest area spans 5,000 to 10,000sqm, and the facilities include service amenities, prayer rooms, diesel refuelling stations, and driver rest rooms.

Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of RTA Board said, “Constructing truck rest stops enhances traffic safety by reducing truck-related incidents by 50%. These facilities improve traffic flow during truck ban periods, promote traffic awareness among truck drivers, and eliminate the parking of trucks on main roads and in residential areas. The rest areas are designed to allow truck drivers to rest during traffic bans on specific highways and to accommodate the increasing need for truck parking. This need arises from the high volume of truck trips in Dubai, which exceeds 300,000 daily trips, carrying approximately 1.5m tonnes of goods daily.”

The selection of the rest stops’ locations has been carefully planned and involves adhering to international standards as well as adhering to technical research studies, in order to maximise the overall effectiveness of the facilities and support the land transport sector.

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Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced an extension of a clean energy partnership agreement with Mediclinic Middle East. Under the agreement, EWEC will provide all Mediclinic’s advanced facilities in Abu Dhabi with electricity generated using clean energy sources 24- hours a day, seven days a week.

This will be verified using Clean Energy Certificates (CECs), which guarantees that electricity consumed by an entity has been produced using clean energy sources. The agreement is an extension of a pre-existing partnership to drive decarbonisation in the UAE’s healthcare sector, said a statement.

EWEC has been facilitating the adoption of Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) in Abu Dhabi, with rapidly growing engagement across a range of key economic sectors. 2023 was a record year for the adoption of CECs, and the first half of 2024 has generated increased interest in the innovative CEC scheme. CECs deliver greater accountability across the value chain, enabling Abu Dhabi-based entities to track and verify their clean energy consumption, decarbonise their operations, and lower their Scope 2 emissions.

“EWEC is proud to strengthen and continue our partnership with Mediclinic Middle East, the first healthcare group to utilise clean energy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, showcasing our mutual commitment to sustainability. Globally, the healthcare sector accounts for between five to eight per cent of electricity consumption, and this agreement underscores the importance of taking tangible steps to decarbonise this key sector. By ensuring that Mediclinic’s Abu Dhabi facilities are powered entirely by clean energy, we are jointly making significant steps towards making the healthcare sector a leader in community-focused, environmentally conscious stewardship,” noted Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC.

Hein van Eck, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East added, “Partnering with EWEC to power our leading Abu Dhabi medical facilities with clean energy aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. This initiative not only enhances our operations but also contributes to our broader decarbonisation initiatives across the company to improve energy efficiency across our facilities. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with EWEC to achieve our sector leading energy goals and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

Issued in one megawatt-hour units, CECs are tradable digital certificates which comply with the International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard Foundation (I-REC Standard) and prove ownership of the environmental and economic benefits derived from clean energy consumption. EWEC is the single registrant and auction operator responsible for implementing the CECs scheme issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE). The certificates are a key mechanism in the transition to a low-carbon economy, contributing to the realisation of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

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