Projects worth US $403mn have been approved by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in its member countries including Egypt, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to help boost their infrastructure. One of the key projects given the greenlight was $344.5mn in financing for Phase I of the Electric Express Train Project in Egypt.

According to IsDB, the project is being implemented to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all by developing a 660km sustainable, green, and climate-resilient electric express railway system. The project is expected to benefit 25m people annually and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 250,000t of CO2 annually.

The projects were approved by IsDB at its 350th board meeting in Jeddah. Chaired by IsDB President and Group Chairman Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, the meeting is said to have approved funds for projects that support socio-economic development and promote sustainability in member countries in key sectors such as energy, education, and transport.

Dr Al Jasser explained, “These transformative projects will have a significant impact on improving transportation, education, and energy, as well as promoting regional economic integration and addressing emergency situations. The IsDB Group remains committed to supporting its member countries in their pursuit of prosperity and resilience, particularly during these challenging times.”

In early February 2023, Drees & Sommer’s Stephan Degenhart said that infrastructure, healthcare and hospitality would drive GCC construction in 2023 and, in late March 2023, AD Ports signed a 30-year agreement with Egyptian authorities for a new seaport at Safaga.

The board also approved an additional financing of $13mn for the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000) in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. The bank had originally approved $50mn towards this project, which aims to meet the electricity demand in Afghanistan and Pakistan, through the establishment of cross-border energy exchange among four IsDB member countries as part of the bank’s regional economic integration strategy.

Once operational, the project will leverage efficient and environmentally friendly indigenous hydropower resources of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, creating conditions for sustainable electricity trade between Central and South Asia, said the statement from IsDB, the statement noted.

The third approved project is the National Education Development Strategy of Tajikistan being implemented in partnership with Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). For this project, IsDB has approved financing worth $35mn and the contribution of ISFD is worth $10mn.

The project aims to improve the learning environment and facilitate system strengthening for the country’s sustainable implementation of an inclusive, competency-based education system.

The board members also deliberated on an emergency grant funding from the IsDB to provide support to Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes that struck both countries, the statement concluded.

In late March 2023, the African Development Bank approved a grant to boost Ghana’s use of renewable energy.

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Source: ME Construction News

Two major bridges and a 2.32km tunnel have been opened according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The infrastructure project is part of the Falcon Interchange Improvement Project located‎ between Al Khaleej Street, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, and Al Ghubaiba Road, and has a capacity of 27,200 vehicles per hour.

The two bridges are connected by the Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel from the Northern side, and will connect with the bridges that RTA is currently constructing at the junction of Sheikh Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from the Southern side, the statement from the RTA explained.

RTA Director-General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer said the scope of work involved the construction of two main bridges on Al Khaleej Street extending 1825m long, each of them having six lanes with a total capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

“The first bridge measures 750m while the second bridge extends 1075m in the southern direction. These bridges are linked to the new Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel from Deira side, as well as the improved junctions on Sheikh Rashid Road. Furthermore, a two-lane tunnel has been opened for left turns from Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road to Al Mina Street. This tunnel stretches 500m and accommodates up to 3,200 vehicles per hour,” he noted.

In late December 2022, the RTA said Phase I of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Project was now open and, in late January 2023, the RTA opened the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan street improvement project.

He also said that the RTA recently awarded the first contract under Phase IV of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. Its scope covers Sheikh Rashid Road from its junction with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Interchange on Al Mina Street, stretching 4.8km. Works under this phase include the construction of three bridges with a total length of 3.1km and a capacity of 19,400 vehicles per hour for all lanes.

“The contractor is currently finalising the construction of the third bridge within the project, which is a single-lane slope bridge for right turns from Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road to Al Khaleej Street. The bridge spans 250m and accommodates up to 1,600 vehicles per hour. Works in progress also include a signalised surface junction that connects Al Khaleej Street with Al Ghubaiba Road and Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, in addition to pavements, lighting, traffic systems, rainwater drainage, and irrigation systems. It is anticipated that all works will be completed by July this year,” elaborated Al Tayer.

According to the RTA, the bridges and tunnel project is a key segment of the 13km-long Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, which is one of the largest projects currently being built by the RTA. At a cost of US $1.44bn, it encompasses the construction of 15 junctions spanning 13km in total.

Owing to the project’s massive scope, the project has been split into five phases. The corridor serves Deira and Bur Dubai in addition to several development projects such as Deira Islands, Dubai Seafront, Dubai Maritime City and Mina Rashid, it added.

In mid March 2023, the RTA said a $217mn contract was awarded for the Al-Shindagha Corridor project.

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Source: ME Construction News

Following an agreement between Aldar Properties and Mubadala Investment Company, commercial assets will be developed in Al Maryah Island. As per the terms of the deal, Aldar will own a 60% stake in the joint venture (JV), while the rest will be held by Mubadala.

The commercial assets will be developed within Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre and free zone, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

The joint venture, once finalised, will contribute to ADGM’s thriving ecosystem, providing capacity for more businesses to operate from Al Maryah Island. It follows Aldar’s acquisition of the four commercial towers at ADGM from Mubadala, and a subsequent deal between the two parties to partner in the acquisition of Al Maryah Tower, both of which were completed in 2022, a statement from Aldar pointed out.

The partnership is said to be a testament to the long-standing ambition of both Aldar and Mubadala to drive growth in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, and to play a pivotal role in developing the commercial office offering on Al Maryah Island, which continues to experience a surge in demand.

In early February 2023, Aldar Properties formed a JV with Dubai Holding to enter the Dubai real estate market.

As a result of Aldar’s active asset management and the increased leasing activity, office leasing occupancy of the four ADGM office towers has reached 96%.

The addition of the new tower will bring Aldar Investment’s total net leasable area of commercial office space to over 400,000sqm, said a top official.

“Through our ongoing management and successful leasing programme of the four ADGM office towers, we continue to see considerable demand for Grade A office space on Al Maryah Island. Through a phased approach, the joint venture will continue to increase the supply of prime office space on the island to ensure the ADGM freezone grows from strength to strength as a financial centre of global significance. The first project enables us to take the necessary steps to satisfy the current pent-up demand, with plans for more to come,” explained Jassem Saleh Busaibe, CEO of Aldar Investment.

Upon completion of the initial office tower’s construction, which is expected by the end of 2026, the property will be managed by Aldar Investment, which currently houses over $8.7bn in assets under management. The office tower will have a total net leasable area of 63,000sqm and aims to be LEED Gold certified. It will offer a varied mix of micro-office, multi-tenanted, and single-tenanted floors, the statement said.

In early February 2023, a new master project was announced on Saadiyat Island by Aldar.

Khalifa Al Romaithi, Executive Director of UAE Real Estate at Mubadala said Al Maryah Island is a one-stop destination that provides unrivalled connectivity for people to work, live, shop, and play.

“Through this JV with Aldar, we are solidifying our commitment to enhance the business ecosystem and attract prime partners to Al Maryah Island,” he concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Red Sea Global has awarded two major contracts for the first phase of development at Amaala’s Triple Bay Marina Village to construction firm Saudi Arabian Baytur.

According to the developer, the contracts include work on its marine life institute – the world’s first fully immersive experiential marine life center – as well as its Yacht Club.

“To develop a truly state-of-the-art marina village at Amaala, we need partners that are not only best in their fields, but who understand and align with our goals and governance principles,” stated Fahad Al Balawi, the Head of Construction of Amaala at Red Sea Global.

As per the terms of the deal, Baytur will be responsible for the construction and oversight of numerous aspects of Triple Bay Marina Village and marine life institute, including structural concrete, dewatering, earthworks, and back of house finishes.

In mid November 2022, a MoU between Partanna and Red Sea Global was signed that will see the firms explore carbon-negative concrete developments.

A separate contract covers the concrete, steel, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for the Yacht Club at Triple Bay, the firm added.

“Through our existing work with Saudi Arabian Baytur, we have seen first-hand the high-quality execution of the construction contracts they undertake. And working with best-in-class organizations based here in the Kingdom, we can further our commitment to help create opportunities for Saudi businesses, and work with the best in Saudi talent,” Balawi added.

Saudi Arabian Baytur CEO Murat Giray expressed delight at expanding its partnership with Red Sea lobal. He commented, “We feel ideally suited to support them in creating truly world-class destinations, working with them and alongside other partners – such as leading architects Foster + Partners – to set new standards in sustainable development and create destinations that will put Saudi Arabia on the map.”

Designed to evolve and elevate the very best in travel, Amaala is an ultra-luxury destination and the first global integrated family wellness destination, set to curate transformative personal journeys inspired by arts, wellness, and the purity of the Red Sea, he explained.

In late January 2023, RSG awarded a $266mn contract to AL-AYUNI for first phase of development at Amaala.

Al Balawi pointed out the state-of-the-art facilities and an attractive year-long events calendar will ensure Amaala is a distinctive wellness destination worldwide.

The first development phase of Amaala is well underway and expects to welcome its first guests in 2024. Once complete, Amaala will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, alongside high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities, he concluded.

In early February 2023, RSG achieved Platinum LEED certification on its Turtle Bay villas and townhouses.

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Source: ME Construction News

Developer DAMAC Properties has appointed a cluster of  leading consultancy companies for its master community development, DAMAC Lagoons, in Dubailand. The companies are: Energoprojekt Entel; AECOM; BHNS Engineering Consultants and Khatib & Alami.

As per this agreement, Energoprojekt Entel will provide consultancy services for a 132/11kV sub-station. The substations will be built in compliance with DEWA’s regulations and specifications under the supervision of Energoprojekt Entel. These works will help provide power supply and accelerate the progress of further development activities at Damac Lagoons, the developer explained.

According to DAMAC, AECOM has been awarded the consultancy service contract for the Venice cluster and the Central Hub, within the master development.

In late January 2023, DAMAC launched its DAMAC Bay by Cavalli project and, in early February 2023, the developer awarded a $241.2mn main works construction contract for Cavalli Tower.

In addition, a contract for consultancy services for three of the community’s clusters, including Malta, Nice 1 and Nice 2, was awarded to BHNS Engineering Consultants. A similar contract has been awarded to Khatib & Alami for Nice 3, Costa Brava villa package and Portofino clusters.

Confirming the contracts, General Manager Mohammed Tahaineh stated, “Work is progressing well across all clusters as part of phase 1 of the DAMAC Lagoons development. After our recent launch of a newly added ninth cluster to the community, Ibiza, we are pleased to see the pace of works at the Damac Lagoons master development, and look forward to keeping our commitments for a timely delivery.”

DAMAC Lagoons is the developer’s third master community development in Dubai. The water-inspired community is adjacent to the DAMAC Hills development, and offers vacation-style living as a part of the residents’ day-to-day lifestyle.

In late February 2023, DAMAC handed over ZADA Tower in Business Bay to customers.

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Source: ME Construction News

UAE developers Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) and Lead Development have announced the launch of a new marina community, Marsa Al Jubail, which is set to be a $3.26bn masterplanned development on Jubail Island.

Jubail Island is owned by JIIC and developed and managed by Lead, and will be home to a collection of six residential village estates, all located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Set among the mangrove forests, Marsa Al Jubail’s lifestyle offer will focus on nature and wellness, while the 65-berth marina will be surrounded by a promenade featuring a sunset observation point at its western end.

A key highlight of the project is to be the signature yacht club – a modern, two-level space which will include a high quality dining venue with alfresco seating on the promenade, as well as a member’s lounge and a gym, among a raft of other amenities. The yacht club will also provide its visitors with views from terraces that oversee the marina and water channel, as well as a stunning view of the Abu Dhabi skyline.

In mid December 2022, ADM awarded Jubail Island and LEAD Development for a significant safety milestone and, in early January 2023, Lead Development introduced ‘The Souk’ on Jubail Island.

Mahmoud Dandashly, Chief Business Officer of Lead Development said, “We are thrilled to be unveiling our newest waterfront development – Marsa Al Jubail. It will offer residents a boutique, private and tranquil island setting, unlike anything else in the capital. The luxurious and contemporary villas, along with a signature yacht club, will provide residents with a wellbeing-focused lifestyle surround by unrivalled natural beauty.”

The Marsa Al Jubail community will offer a total of 36 luxury villas, in three and four bedroom formats.

Designed in an open-plan, low-rise, low-impact configuration, the bespoke villas will offer an integrated waterfront experience, while the interior design is both light and neutral in tone, creating a luxury space that fits seamlessly into the fully landscaped community, the statement concluded.

In early March 2023, Lead Development said it achieved a major infrastructure milestone on Jubail Island.

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Source: ME Construction News

A US $28.49mn grant for Ghana has been approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank. The financing will enable the country to develop renewable energy infrastructure, with the goal of increasing its use of renewables by 10% through 2030.

According to a statement, the financing will come from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) – Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP), and will support construction of mini-grids, stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems and solar-based battery facilities for storing excess power, a practice known as net metering.

With the latest board approval of $28.49mn, the project’s total cost of $85.18mn is in the coffers. The African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessionary window, has provided $27.39mn, while Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the government of Ghana have contributed $13.30mn and $16mn respectively, a statement explained.

In early November 2022, Infinity Power Holding announced that the Sharm El Sheikh solar plant was fully operational and, in early February 2023, ILF awarded a consultancy contract for three solar PV projects in Saudi Arabia.

The statement noted that the project entails the design, engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of renewable energy systems on the island communities in the Volta Lake region.

It is expected to contribute to closing gender gaps at the outcome level by creating 2,865 equitable jobs and livelihood opportunities, out of which 30% will be for women and youth, it added.

Under its New Deal on Energy for Africa, the African Development Bank seeks to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on the continent as well as light up and power Africa as part of its High Five priority objectives for enhancing the continent’s socioeconomic development, the statement concluded.

In late March 2023, AMEA Power announced the ground breaking of Phase 3 of a solar plant in Togo.

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Source: ME Construction News

Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) has appointed Egis to provide project management consultancy for the Al Mutlaa City Development (MCD) mixed-use megaproject.

As per the agreement, Egis will provide program-level service management, construction logistics & interface management, cost management, and digital program management system & project management information system (PMIS) for the MCD project.

MCD is said to be a housing city located 38.3km North West of the Kuwait Metropolitan area. It occupies an area of approximately 104sqkm and is expected to house up to 400,000 people. The development will feature residential, social, commercial and light industrial areas.

“PAHW is committed to delivering suitable and sustainable housing for Kuwaitis, in a social
environment adapted for all individuals of Kuwaiti society, including social, cultural, entertainment,
commercial and professional activity. The city shall be supported by the private sector through
investment in the local market and reach a sustainable business model with an elaborated mix of
residential,” said Nasser Khreibat, General Manager from PAHW.

In early December 2022, Egis said it had agreed to acquire U+A to enhance architecture and design capabilities and, in early January 2023, Kuwait’s PART issued consultancy services tenders for Phase One of the railway network.

As one of the important priorities for the government and one of the core activities of Kuwait’s
2035 Vision, Kuwait is building large housing infrastructure projects across the country, the statement from Egis noted.

Khaled ElMir, Country Managing Director of Egis in Kuwait remarked, “We are honoured to be selected by PAHW to provide project management consultancy for the Al Mutlaa City Development megaproject. With our extensive experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, we are confident that we can deliver high-quality services to support the successful delivery of this important project.”

Egis has been operating in Kuwait for almost 40 years and has worked on multiple projects across
the country, increasing their presence across all sectors. Some of the key projects include Kuwait
University, Kuwait Scientific Center, Al Ghouse Highway, National Bank of Kuwait, the statement concluded.

In early March 2023, Egis said it would acquire Saudi-based Omrania.

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Source: ME Construction News

Our Middle Eastern region is at a tipping point, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) 6^th Synthesis report. The latest data shows that despite global action to reduce emissions and national pledges to achieve Net Zero, overall climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions are growing faster than mitigation and reduction efforts.

What this means for our region is after 2041 at the current emissions trajectory we could be seeing more than 100 days every year where temperatures are above 40 degrees, leading to a major increase in heat-related mortality and heat-related illness, particularly for people over 65. That is only 18 years away – which means many of us currently making decisions about the design, delivery and operation of our buildings will be entering the age group where climate change is more likely to harm our personal health.

The immediacy of the threat can be seen in the IPCC’s clear calls in this report for greater investment in adaptation as well as scaling up for financial flows to mitigation. The built environment in this sense lies at the heart of how we both slow the escalation of the climate crisis and survive the impacts we are already beginning to experience.

We are perhaps fortunate in the Gulf area that designing for heat is part of our proud and distinctive architectural tradition. What we need to consider is the vulnerability created in recent decades through adoption of more energy-reliant approaches that are based on the extensive use of air conditioning to ensure comfort and wellbeing.

Aden NASA sea level data

In the hotter future, where the region is also likely to experience more frequent periods of zero rainfall for 100 days or more at a time, being entirely dependent on mechanical cooling may not be the solution we need. Meeting the energy demand through renewable energy would mean significant investment and also institutional drive for action being applied immediately to ensure sufficient capacity comes online.

We also need to consider the cost of energy for households and businesses, given the IPCC data also shows there are likely to be major disruptions to our food supply, and World Bank data shows the cost of key agricultural commodities including sheep, goat and grains is likely to increase markedly.

The good news is the tools, knowledge and expertise we need to take up this challenge are already within our grasp. For example, we can retrofit buildings to better manage energy and provide real-time responsiveness to conditions through smart systems. We can improve insulation, reduce building air leakage and invest in smart renewable energy microgrids and demand-response platforms.

We can also retrofit buildings for mixed-mode ventilation systems that combine energy-efficient, smart cooling with age-old practices such as the stack effect, night purging, strategic shading and the use of water features and urban greening for microclimate cooling benefits.

CMIP6 – Days with TX above 40ºC (TX40) days – Medium Term (2041-2060) SSP5-8.5 – Annual (27 models)

Our wisest course of action is to build on the IPCC call to action and scale up efforts to improve our existing buildings and communities, including the infrastructure that supports them, to build resilience, support adaptation and simultaneously reduce emissions.

Read more:

• New date confirmed for Energy & Sustainability Summit – 24 May
• JLL’s Louise Collins’ COP27 takeaways and thoughts
• Three considerations to help businesses create practical sustainability strategies

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Source: ME Construction News

The second edition of Big Project Middle East’s (BPME) Energy & Sustainability Summit (E&S Summit) has a new date; the magazine’s editorial team has confirmed the event will now take place on 24 May in Dubai. A venue will be confirmed in the coming weeks, the editorial team stated.

The summit will bring together professionals from government, operators, consultants, contractors and suppliers, to discuss a variety of key regional topics, in line with a region wide drive towards sustainable development and clean energy. Registration is complementary but mandatory for industry professionals.

According to the editorial team, the event’s agenda will include several panel discussions and presentations, each tying into topics such as: COP28 expectations and opportunities; the future of energy, green hydrogen and energy transition in the GCC; Net Zero developments and performance focused approaches to benchmarking buildings; smart and sustainable city mobility and more. Keep up with updates to event’s agenda by clicking here.

“The build up for the E&S Summit is well underway, with a packed agenda that we feel ties well into regional initiatives, opportunities and challenges including the Year of Sustainability, COP28, GCC countries’ Net Zero agendas and strategies, and sustainable mobility. The topics have struck a chord with many individuals and organisations – I’m pleased to have already secured the participation of several prominent personalities, and can’t wait to see discussions kick off on the day,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content of Big Project Middle East.

He added, “The agenda will be added to the website in the coming days and we encourage you to check in regularly to discover the latest updates with regards to panel and presentation content, and speakers.”

To discuss participating at the event as a speaker, contact conference producer Jason Saundalkar on Jason.s@cpitrademedia.com. Sponsorship inquires can be addressed to Raed Kaedbey (raed.kaedbey@cpitrademedia.com) and Madeleine Martin (madeleine.martin@cpitrademedia.com).

The 2023 edition of the E&S Summit is supported by:

Gold Sponsor: KEO International Consultants
Silver Sponsor: AECOM
Bronze Sponsor: ThinkProject
Supporting Partner: Egis Group and JLL

The first edition of the E&S Summit saw over 190 people in attendance, as well as the participation of experts from regional developers, consultants, contractors, industry bodies and academia.

To learn more about the 2023 Energy & Sustainability Summit, click here.

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Source: ME Construction News