Spray-Boulevard-1.jpg

June 16, 2023 foasummit0

Oman is launching an integrated entertainment project, Spray Boulevard, at an investment of RO40 million ($103 million) in Salalah, which will cater to both locals and tourists. The objective of the development is to add value as an outlet for visitors and residents in the governorate.

The design of the Spray Boulevard project won top government recognition and was declared one among the three best projects in a contest organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

Spread over a 470,000 sq. m. area, the project, which will be implemented on a public-private-partnership (PPP) will boast waterfront restaurants, a grand market, suspended walkways and a botanical garden in addition to suspended walkways, theatres and a venue for specialised exhibitions and events.

The Ministry of Finance will provide RO10 million funding for the first phase of infrastructure and related services, while the rest will be financed by private sector institutions.

The star attractions within the development, which is expected to be implemented within the next four years,  are the Grand Market and The Square and Fountain Island.

Once completed, Spray Boulevard is expected to draw 800,000 visitors during the Khareef Dhofar season, and 200,000 visitors during the rest of the seasons combined. The project will be instrumental in promoting local tourism as well as creating jobs. It will also, over the years, turn into a global tourist destination with a wide range of events and exotic tourism experiences.

The post Oman invests $103mn in Spray Boulevard appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


RTA-Led-Lighting1_1000x600-1.jpg

June 15, 2023 foasummit0

14,400 traditional lighting units have been replaced with eco-friendly LED lights, as part of a major upgrade carried out by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The upgrade project included the renovation of 39 tunnels and crossings, spanning 22.6km, the RTA stated.

The RTA said it was deeply committed to energy conservation and strengthening Dubai and the UAE’s green economy and sustainability, besides promoting a clean environment. The RTA is committed to implementing the best international practices to achieve financial sustainability through optimal utilisation and extension of the lifespan of its assets, the firm explained.

The project entailed re-engineering the operating systems of tunnel lighting units and night road crossings, with sustainable, eco-friendly lights, said the RTA.

“We recently renovated the lighting for 39 tunnels. This six-month project entailed some of Dubai’s prominent tunnels including the Airport Tunnel, Shindagha Tunnel, Dubai Mall Tunnel, and the Dubai World Trade Centre Tunnel,” explained Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, at RTA.

She continued, “LED lighting units have many eco-friendly features, such as consuming 60% less energy than traditional lighting units and offering an increased lifespan by up to 177% in comparison to older lights. The new lights have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, compared to 18,000 hours for conventional lighting units, which reduces the frequency of lights replacements and minimizes maintenance and operational costs. Furthermore, compared to traditional lamps there’s a 20% reduction in energy loss and heat emissions, enhancing the efficiency of both the units’ lighting operational system and the tunnels’ energy supply network.”

According to bin Adai, the RTA had carefully evaluated the level of brightness and colour clarity inside Dubai’s tunnels when installing the new lighting units, to ensure optimal visibility for road users, consequently enhancing traffic safety.

“The LED lighting units offer a lighting intensity of 6,000 lumens compared to 4,000 lumens for older lamps, improving the lighting quality. These units do not include environmentally harmful chemicals, like mercury found in traditional lights, which serves RTA and Dubai’s vision of achieving environmental sustainability,” she concluded.

The post RTA completes upgrade project and deploys 14,000 LED lights appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


The-Oasis3_1000x600-1.jpg

June 15, 2023 foasummit0

A new US $20bn waterfront luxury lifestyle destination has been unveiled by developer Emaar Properties. Spread over an area of 100m sqft, The Oasis by Emaar will feature 7,000 residential units and will comprise a mix of large mansions and villas, and aims to provide residents with views of water canals, lakes, and parks.

According to a statement, The Oasis by Emaar is located in a prime location within Dubai and will be surrounded by high-end developments. It will offer proximity to four international golf courses and is located just 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai.

Aiming to provide a prestigious and upscale living experience in Dubai’s real estate landscape, the development has been designed to create a resort-style lifestyle, with 25% of the land dedicated to lakes, water canals, parks, jogging tracks, green spaces, and various luxury amenities, the statement noted.

Unveiling the project at a gala event at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, Emaar said the project’s emphasis on recreational spaces will allow residents to enjoy a high-quality living environment and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.

“In each of its destinations, Emaar strives to meet the needs of our discriminating clientele. Our primary objective is to design one-of-a-kind destinations that complement our clients’ opulent way of life, while providing unmatched comfort and luxury. Our most recent integrated project,” stated Emaar Founder Mohamed Alabbar.

The Oasis by Emaar will also feature an expansive 1.5m sqft retail area, which will host an array of lifestyle brands and offer residents access to superior shopping options. Moreover, there will be a variety of food and beverage outlets, ensuring a diverse culinary scene to cater to different preferences, he stated.

“The Oasis by Emaar is poised to complement the urban landscape of Dubai and redefine the future of luxurious living amidst nature and water, blending harmonious architecture and exceptional amenities,” Alabbar concluded.

The post Emaar unveils $20bn ‘The Oasis by Emaar’ lifestyle project appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


RIG_R60_T2_2_44402-1.jpg

June 14, 2023 foasummit0

The all-new E-generation Volvo R60 Rigid Hauler is the perfect partner for heavy-duty quarrying and mining. Built for markets with tier 2-compliant engines and based on the R100E model, the R60 packs a higher payload than the D-generation model it replaces, along with a durable design and new comfort and safety-enhancing features – enabling it to move more for less with every cycle.Volvo

Big on efficiency

Drew Watson, Global Product Manager for the Volvo R60 at Volvo CE, says: “The Volvo R60 offers a 55-tonne payload and body volume of 36m3, enabled by a V-shaped body ensuring optimum load retention and minimal material carry-back.

“The rigid hauler is a perfect match for a 90-tonne excavator and meets the industry standard of 10/10/20 where it can take 10% overload for 10% of the time but should not exceed 20%. To help operators haul the optimum amount of material, an optional On-Board Weighing system provides real-time payload insight to the hauler operator via the on-board display, and can predict the 10/10/20 payload.”

Contributing to speedy cycle times, the drivetrain combines high torque capability and high drive axle multiplication to deliver the traction force needed to take on the steepest site gradients.

Not only is it productive, but the Volvo R60 is also fuel efficient. Thanks to Volvo Dynamic Shift Control, gear selection is automatic to adapt to varying conditions, whilst ECO mode enables the hauler to default to the most efficient gear shifting schedule. In addition, auto engine-idle shut-down eliminates unnecessary fuel consumption and engine wear.

The rigid hauler is available with CareTrack telematics system to enable remote machine monitoring and help boost efficiency even further. What’s more, customers can gain recommendations on the optimum fleet configuration and site set-up from their Volvo dealer

Strong and durable

Designed to deliver high uptime and low operating costs, the R60 is built to last with a 60,000-hour life frame and a list of features that contribute to long-lasting performance and component life, including:

  • A low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution to provide rock-solid stability and spread the impact of loads and stresses across the machine
  • A high-strength, flexible chassis and responsive MacPherson strut with lower wishbone connection to absorb shocks and vibrations and improve the operator ride
  • A V-shaped body, manufactured from high impact and high abrasion resistant steel, with minimal number of panels and welds
  • Neutral coast inhibitor and engine overspeed protection to further minimize wear

Servicing of the R60 is required every 500 hours and can be completed swiftly thanks to a straightforward machine design that includes grouped maintenance points located within easy reach either from the ground or the service platform, as well as common-sized bearings throughout.

On-board diagnostics provide insights into system pressures and temperatures, and fault reporting to facilitate and speed-up troubleshooting.

Comfortably productive

The Volvo R60 is built with operator comfort and safety top of mind.

Operators can enter the cab from both sides using anti-slip steps and walkways. The cab is now pressurized, Roll/Fall-Over Protective Structure-certified (ROPS/FOPS) and features a left-positioned operator station to aid safe passing. Volvo Smart View is an added option to improve visibility even further with a 360° birds-eye view of the work zone.

Ergonomically positioned displays, responsive fingertip controls and low-effort steering combine to make operation effortless. The adjustable air-suspended seat and a Bluetooth-enabled audio system add to operator comfort.

The Volvo R60 is equipped with two retardation systems to keep a steady speed and facilitate machine navigation when going downhill, reducing the need for operator input. When manually selected, the transmission retarder slows the drivetrain to limit wheel lock-up, particularly useful on steep declines or in wet conditions. The modulating braking retarder can be automatically activated when the operator’s foot is off the accelerator to maintain a gear selected constant engine speed. What’s more, fail-safe braking and secondary steering systems add to jobsite safety.

Customers wanting to lower Total Cost of Ownership in quarry and mining applications should look no further than the Volvo R60 Rigid Hauler.

Key specifications:

Payload capacity: 55 000kg

Body volume, SAE 2:1 heap: 36m³

Net weight: 44,820kg

Gross weight: 99 820kg

Engine: Cummins QSK 19, CAC, Tier2

Gross power: 567kW @2,100rpm

Max SAE J1349 gross torque: 3,084Nm @1,500rpm

Max speed: 60.6km/h

The post Move more for less with new Volvo R60 Rigid Hauler appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


Saudi-Arabia-Map_1000x600-1.jpg

June 13, 2023 foasummit0

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has attracted foreign direct investments worth US $266mn from Chinese companies based in industrial cities across the Kingdom.

The investors are all based in transformative industries and have a high focus on quality and innovation, said a top official from Modon.

This will help boost Modon’s contributions to the KSA gross domestic product (GDP) and also create more job opportunities, remarked Vice President of Business Development, Engineer Ali Al Omeir.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the 10th session of the Arab-China Business Conference which concluded on 12th June in Riyadh. Modon said that it had presented a working paper at the summit.

Engineer Ali Al Omeir added, “The Chinese investments in industrial cities are highly diversified, which is in line with national targets of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs and the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy.”

The post Chinese corporates commit to $266mn investment in Modon appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


Sinaha-Platfrom1_1000x600-1.jpg

June 13, 2023 foasummit0

Sinaha Platform has signed an agreement with international partners to build the first automobile facility in Abu Dhabi dedicated to manufacturing automobiles from recyclable materials. The move is aimed at establishing Abu Dhabi as a prominent auto hub for sustainable production.

This initiative marks a significant milestone for the country’s automotive industry, contributing to the achievement of Operation 300Bn and the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy. The vehicles produced in this facility will feature eco-friendly and recyclable external structures, promoting environmental sustainability and incorporating technologies that enhance fuel efficiency by reducing weight and material consumption.

In addition to catering to local demand, the factory will supply the international market with affordable, high-quality cars equipped with advanced four-wheel drive technology, the statement noted.

The agreement for the plant was signed by Kardous Mohammad bin Salem bin Kardous Al Ameri, Deputy CEO of Sinaha, and Kirill Kuzin, Director-General of APAL International, during the ‘Make it in the Emirates Forum’ held recently in Abu Dhabi. The deal is also in alignment with the UAE’s upcoming hosting of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in November.

Sinaha Chairman Mohammed bin Salem bin Kardous Al Ameri explained that the purpose of the platform was to improve quality investment opportunities to build a more sustainable, efficient, and competitive industrial sector in a way that supports the national economy and global climate action plans. “In the Sinaha platform we support all national efforts and strategies in an integrated way with all partners to support the national industrial sector and improve industrial capacity. Our products proudly carry the ‘Made in the Emirates’ mark and target local, regional, and international markets.”

Made using local raw materials, the new vehicle model has a highly advanced and effective damping protection system that meets all applicable standards. Plus, the model will feature two engines; an economical petrol engine and an all-electric engine, the statement concluded.

The post First sustainable auto plant set for Abu Dhabi appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


Architecture2_1000x600-1.jpg

June 13, 2023 foasummit0

The Middle East Consultant editorial team has revealed the third edition of the Future of Architecture Summit (FOA Summit) will focus on several key themes including: artificial intelligence (AI) led generative design and its ability to bring the design discipline to engineering firms, and whether future cities will be built around high-rise/supertall structures or community-led concepts such as 15-minutes cities.

The event is free to attend for industry professionals (registration is mandatory) and will take place at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, in Dubai on 14 June. The event will open for breakfast and networking at 8.30am, with an aim to kick off at 9.30am sharp.

The day-long event will feature speakers from several reputed architecture firms, specialist designers, academia and suppliers and a number of panel discussions and presentations, in addition to a keynote presentation titled: ‘The Future of World Architecture’ by Christian Vasquez, Architect and Business Development Executive at NEB and Director at the American Institute of Architects Middle East. To read more about the event’s agenda, click here.

“On Wednesday 14 June, the Future of Architecture Summit will tackle head-on the most provocative debates across urban planning and its quest for new, sustainable solutions. Should we opt for a super-tall future or a low-rise, accessible community? Are architects and their profession being replaced by the new generation of AI-led software? The event brings top experts, not just to debate, but to reach clear and powerful conclusions,” explained Paul Godfrey, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant.

The 2023 FOA Summit is supported by:

Bronze Sponsor: Atkins
Supporting Partners: Climatize, JLL, National Engineering Bureau (NEB), Omnium and Polypipe

To read more about the Future of Architecture Summit, click here.

The post Over 20 speakers to debate key topics at the 2023 Future of Architecture Summit appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


CMME-1.jpg

June 12, 2023 foasummit0

20 winners were recognised at the 2nd Construction Machinery Middle East Awards last night, with the Habtoor Polo Resort hosting more than 160 guests from across the GCC.

With more than 13,000 votes deciding the winners, this was an evening to celebrate the best and most popular brands in the region.

Four special end-user awards were also handed to companies representing the construction, FM and rental community. 

“This year, we had some really strong nominations and winners from all over the region to represent the strength in depth of the market.” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East.

“And even more importantly, the atmosphere in the room was fantastic with the audience really doing their bit to make it a night of celebration.”

“A special thank you to Svetlana Petrova and our Platinum Sponsor JCB who helped get the night off to a great start with her welcoming speech. And, of course, congratulations to everyone.”

Silver Sponsors
Dayim Equipment
Lissmac
TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East
TVH

Support Sponsors 
Al Marwan
Case CE
Rapid Access

List of winners

Road Making Machinery of the Year

Bomag BW211

FM Equipment Experts of the year Award

FARNEK

Lifting Achievement of the Year

Johnson Arabia

Safety Champion of the Year

Rapid Access

Contractor of the Year

Wade Adams

Innovation of the Year Award (GCC)

Salim Equipment Trading – SAC-HHK16A-1-21625 Hammer

Material Handling Equipment of the Year

TOYOTA 62-8FD30

Temporary On-Site Solution of the Year

Doosan G300XW

Access Machinery of the Year

JLG X33J PLUS

Earthmoving Equipment of the Year Award

Volvo A40G Articulated Hauler

Compact Equipment of the Year

Bobcat S450 Skid-Steer Loader

Innovation of the Year (Manufacturer)

JCB Hydrogen Engine

Heavy Equipment Rental Company of the Year Award

Al Marwan Heavy Equipment

Crane of the Year Award

Manitowoc Grove GRT8100 Rough Terrain Crane

Excavator of the Year.

CASE CX 220C LC-HD

Access Rental Company of the Year Award

Dayim Equipment Rental

Electric Machinery of the Year Award

Bobcat E10e ZTS Mini-Excavator

Distributor of the year Award (GCC)

FAMCO

Distributor of the year Award (UAE)

GALADARI

Outstanding Manufacturer of the Year

Volvo CE

The post Revealed: The Winners of the Construction Machinery Awards 2023 appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


Infinite-Mining2_1000x600-1.jpg

June 12, 2023 foasummit0

An oil refinery with a daily production capacity of 10,000 barrels is to be set up in with Sharjah’s Hamriya Free Zone Authority (HFZA), following a new deal between Infinite Mining & Energy (IME) and the freezone.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of the HFZA, and Bilal Merchant, Managing Director of Infinite Mining & Energy FZE signed the agreement at HFZA headquarters, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

India-based IME said it will double its investment in the free zone and establish the plant with annual refining capability of up to 3.6m barrels, alongside a modern oil storage facility equipped with over 20 loading slots. As per the terms of the agreement, IME will lease a 200,000sqft plot of land in the free zone to build its facilities. This expansion is expected to significantly increase the company’s storage capacity, catering to the growing demand for its services and products.

With an ideal business environment and a system of exceptional services and benefits, HFZA continues to stand as a prominent industrial base for international companies in the sector. This latest investment by IME further underscores HFZA’s success in attracting key players in the oil and energy industries, a statement highlighted.

Al Mazrouei noted that IME’s new expansion plans demonstrates HFZA’s leading reputation as a preferred investment destination for heavy industries and the petrochemical sector.

“This also reinforces HFZA’s appeal and significance in the oil, energy, and various other sectors, a testament to our commitment to the visions and directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which have transformed the free zone into a role model, showcasing a strong return on investment and an ideal environment for establishing key projects, thereby becoming a vital contributor to the national economy,” explained Al Mazrouei.

He continued, “Infinite’s new facility will be a significant addition to the emirate’s burgeoning economic landscape through its production volume, which caters to the demand for energy products and derivatives for both existing and future industrial projects.”

He said the company’s choice of Hamriya Free Zone underscores the high global standards and the favourable investment climate HFZA offers to investors in the energy and oil sectors.

Al Mazrouei stated, “As of today, the free zone houses over 1,200 companies including major international corporations specialising in this sector. They operate within a dedicated area for petrochemical industries, which boasts a strategic location and is connected to a commercial port with a depth of 14m. This strategic positioning supports import and export operations for our investing companies, offering easy access to major markets. Coupled with our range of distinguished services, state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class logistics services, and facilities, we have grown to become the second-largest petrochemical center in the country.”

Merchant noted, “IME began operations in the Hamriya Free Zone in 2018, and our plans to set up a multifunctional oil refinery is a testament to our strategic expansion to broaden our reach in both regional and international markets. HFZA’s strategic geographical location aligns perfectly with our company’s specialties in the petrochemical, metallurgy, and energy sectors, enabling us to maintain direct interactions with leading manufacturers both locally and globally.”

He also highlighted the competitive advantages offered by the free zone accelerate the firm’s ability to reach a larger customer base in the most efficient, speedy, and cost-effective manner. Merchant concluded, “Upon completion, the new facility is set to create over 100 job opportunities for technicians and workers, thereby contributing to the local employment landscape.”

The post Infinite Mining & Energy to develop refinery in HFZA appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News