The third edition of Construction Machinery Middle East (CMME)’s popular Access & Handling Summit is to feature experts from the construction and facilities management sectors, the magazine’s editorial team has revealed.

The event is scheduled to take place on 7 March at the Habtoor Polo Resort in Dubai. Registration is complementary for professionals from the access and handling, crane, construction, facilities management, oil and gas, power, transport, and equipment rental sectors.

“During the event, experts from both the construction and facilities management sectors will look at the challenges for firms, including a look at best practice in the sectors when it comes to operating equipment and managing teams on site,” explained Stephen White, Head of Content at Construction Machinery Middle East.

“Talking points will also include equipment and team mobilisation best practice, planning for working in a construction and built environment, project stakeholder co-ordination and improving efficiency and value for the project and building owners,” he continued.

Apart from the end customer segments, the summit will feature a number of panel discussions, presentations and demonstrations, and will kick off at 9am on the day. Click here to read the full agenda.

White concluded, “The hope is we bring together representation from across the board from the suppliers to the end-users – and it will be exciting to see what answers they can come up with as we face a dynamic period for the UAE.”

Read more about the Summit here.

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Source: ME Construction News

Developer Sobha Realty has announced the successful completion of its Waves project at the waterfront district in its Sobha Hartland community. The developer said the project received its Building Completion Certificate (BCC) “well ahead” of the planned construction schedule.

According to the developer, construction work on the residential tower began in February 2021. The firm said the project comprises 35-storeys and is located right in front of the 1.8km waterfront boardwalk in Sobha Hartland. The tower also includes a designated barbeque area, a yoga and meditation zone, and an infinity edge swimming pool with a view of the Dubai Skyline and the waterfront.

The development is the first to be complete across the waterfront district of Sobha Hartland and offers views of the Dubai Skyline, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Meydan Racecourse, Meydan One Mall, and Dubai Creek, the statement added.

In early October 2022, the developer said its One Park Avenue residential tower two months earlier than planned and, later in the month, it launched its first signature residential tower project in Dubai.

“We are delighted to have completed the construction of our iconic Waves project at the waterfront district of Sobha Hartland well ahead of schedule. Dubai real estate is projected to experience a strong expansion in 2023, with the residential property segment projected to witness a growth of over 40%. We are keen to contribute to this growth by developing and accelerating the completion of our significant developments in the city,” said Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty.

He continued, “The exquisite Waves project will be the first tower along the waterfront side of the Sobha Hartland community. We were able to complete this project in a record schedule within 24 months. Every single detail has been curated with precision, ensuring Sobha’s signature quality throughout the project. Sobha Hartland development, on the other hand, is advancing in accordance with the planned timeline, which reflects our emphasis on our clients’ needs and commitment to upholding the highest possible standards across all our projects.”

The developer said it is committed to redefining the art of living by delivering luxury properties with exceptional quality and design. It stated that Sobha Hartland is one of its key developments through which it has altered the definition of luxury real estate in Dubai.

In late November 2022, the developer unveiled its new interconnected tower development in Dubai.

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Source: ME Construction News

Lead Development has said that it has achieved a major milestone at its $2.7bn Jubail Island Development in Abu Dhabi. The firm said that the energisation of electrical substations is an important step towards completing the infrastructure works and handing over of the land plots.

With the planned substations powered up, Abu Dhabi Construction Company can now move ahead with key test and commissioning work for the villa’s and townhouses. The project, which is owned by JIIC and being developed and managed by Lead, will be home to an idyllic collection of six residential village estates located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, the statement said.

“We are pleased to announce the energization of the substations in Jubail Island, which represents a significant milestone in the infrastructure development of Jubail Island. By carefully planning the project’s development, stage by stage, we have been able to achieve this important facet of our overall delivery schedule and with the completion of the infrastructure works, we can continue in earnest across the entire project,” stated Engineer Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, Corporate Director of Jubail Island Investment Company.

In early June 2022, JIIC awarded $11mn in contracts to APCC for a new 66-berth marina in Marfa Al Jubail and later in the month, the firm awarded CSCEC ME a $60mn contract to build the Souk Al Jubail townhouses.

A vital step in the project’s ongoing development, the energisation secures power for any future construction work across the island, and provides electricity for the vacant land plots, and allows for the hand over of the plots this month, said the statement from Lead Development.

With this move, buyers who have received their plots can begin independently developing their private mansions. It means that delivery of plots, villas and townhouses on the Island is proceeding as per schedule, the statement concluded.

In early January 2023, Lead Development introduced ‘The Souk’ on Jubail Island.

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Source: ME Construction News

RedSea has announced the commissioning and start of operations at its new greenhouse facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The AgTech firm said the greenhouse facility is powered by 2,000sqm of elevated solar panels functioning as agrivoltaics, with protected crops grown under the panels and heat-blocking net – showcasing the full capability of RedSea’s sustainable technologies.

According to a statement, the technology in the new Abu Dhabi facility – a first for the country – will help diversify food product sources and stimulate the region’s agri-food sectors. It added that the commissioning is a first look for UAE audiences at RedSea’s sustainable agricultural technologies.

The one-hectare showcase facility is set to supercharge wider adoption of the technologies in the UAE for the benefit of local growers and significantly impact Abu Dhabi’s agricultural ecosystem. RedSea’s facility directly compares, side-by-side, its roots to roof technologies with technologies currently  used in the GCC, the statement continued.

“We are delighted for UAE audiences to have their first glimpse of our award-winning technology, which is transforming global controlled environment agriculture and open-field farming. There is a clear path for local growers to use this technology to generate higher production yields, operate more sustainably and be more profitable,” said Red Sea CEO Ryan Lefers.

In late August 2022, Group AMANA said it delivered the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai South and, in early February 2023, PIF & AeroFarms signed a deal to develop vertical farms across the MENA region.

Its technologies include iyris heat-blocking low-cost roofing, a climate-controlled recirculating deep water culture system for growth of berries, and a saltwater evaporative cooling system functioning without desalination. RedSea’s climate-adapted IoT sensors – which allow remote monitoring and greenhouse management – will serve as the management system. The project received HSBC’s Living Business award for innovative water management and efficiency, the statement pointed out.

RedSea’s focus on resource and food scarcity supports the UAE’s ‘National Food Security Strategy’ to promote food security with advanced agricultural technology. With climate change and increasing global food shortages, the UAE and the Middle East are leading the way in addressing these huge issues ahead of COP 28, the company said.

Lefers remarked, “Globally, food production is frequently unsustainable and very vulnerable to climate change. Our technology – which addresses these problems directly – is a solution born in the deserts of the Middle East and already being delivered in hot climates around the world.”

Miles Thornhill, Team Head Corporate Banking and Head of Business Banking UAE at HSBC concluded, “We are focused on helping to deliver a Net Zero global economy, which includes channelling investment towards sustainable projects. Sustainable finance has an important role to play in allowing AgTech companies, such as RedSea, to scale and demonstrate solutions that help build a better future.”

In late February 2023, Sharjah Sustainable City launched the ‘Discover Your Urban Farm’ initiative.

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Source: ME Construction News

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has inaugurated a 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab within its campus, as part of its efforts to provide students with unique learning opportunities. The Lab was set up by the ADU’s College of Engineering, and is said to feature advanced 3D printing technologies that will contribute to the prototyping of concrete structures.

The technology enables the creation of intricate shapes and designs that would be difficult to achieve using traditional construction methods, said a statement from ADU.

3D printing technology enables creative and unique building designs. In addition, it promotes sustainable construction practices by enabling precise measurements and minimum waste of raw materials during the construction process and reducing energy consumption compared to traditional construction methods due to the decreased need for transportation of raw materials and construction time, the statement continued.

“The 3D Concrete Printing Lab represents a significant step forward in the field of construction technology. With this facility, we seek to provide our students and faculty with the tools and resources to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible in this field,” stated ADU Chancellor Professor Ghassan Aouad.

In late October 2022, SCIB announced the completion of the first 3D printed house in Borneo.

The Lab is said to be the fruit of the ADU’s recent win in the ASPIRE grant awarded by the Advanced Technology Research Council in the UAE, it added.

The research team led by Dr Samer Al Martini, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at ADU and Dr. Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor, received a grant to study the application of 3D concrete technology for the UAE construction industry to help in promoting sustainability in the UAE’s construction sectors.

The lab is said to provide faculty and students with state-of-the-art 3D printing equipment, including the 3D Concrete Gantry Lab printer. The printer, said to be the first of its type in a university lab in the UAE, can produce various lab scale concrete structural elements (e.g., columns, beams, walls) in different shapes and sizes. Through similar innovative learning opportunities, ADU aims to foster innovation and creativity in the fields of 3D concrete printing and sustainability among its students, the statement continued.

“At ADU, we maximise our innovation efforts to provide students, faculty and the wider UAE community with sustainable and inclusive solutions to industry-focused challenges. Additionally, we aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience and the latest innovative technologies to develop our student’s futuristic skillset and prepare a generation of researchers and innovators,” Aouad remarked.

In early November 2022, Dar Al Arkan completed the Kingdom’s first 3DCP villa.

The Lab will also contribute to ADU’s environmental sustainability efforts by reducing waste and material usage, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging innovative designs among faculty and students. It will also help provide more inclusive environment for females to participate in a male-dominated industry as 3D Concrete printing is a less labour-intensive construction technique relying more on technology.

In late November 2022, GUtech 3D said it had printed three structures in eight days in Oman.

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Source: ME Construction News

The second edition of Big Project Middle East’s annual Energy & Sustainability Summit (E&S Summit) will take place on 3 May in Dubai, and will offer key insights from government and industry bodies, as well as green energy, construction and technology firms.

In line with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announcing 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’, and the city of Dubai hosting the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) from 30 November to 12 December 2023, the E&S Summit will focus on the impact of COP28 on the regional construction industry, green hydrogen, and developing the GCC as a global hub for clean energy.

The E&S Summit is free to attend for industry professionals, and will comprise several panel discussions, presentations, and focused fireside chats from high profile regional personalities including key decisionmakers, while also offering highly value networking and sponsorship opportunities.

“The 2022 Energy & Sustainability Summit was a tremendous success, and we look forward to building on that event with the 2023 edition, as the Middle East continues its push towards clean energy and sustainable development. While much has already been said and done around these topics, there’s still a long road ahead, which is why we are eager for the 2023 E&S Summit to become a nexus of discussions and a driver of change,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The first edition of the summit took place on 21 June in Dubai at St Regis – The Palm, in response to a pronounced GCC-wide drive towards green energy and sustainable development.

The event saw participation from several organisations including the Emirates Green Building Council, The Red Sea Development Company, ECC and Saif Air Tech – A Fakhruddin Holding Company, and many others. Check out the event’s image gallery here.

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

To find out more about the E&S Summit, click here.

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Source: ME Construction News

According to intelligence platform ABiQ, over US $41bn worth of leisure and entertainment projects are underway across the Middle East. After a few difficult years the leisure and entertainment industry, particularly in the GCC, is now regaining the growth momentum, the report noted.

“Looking back, I’d like to phrase 2022 as the grand reopening for the entertainment sector, the journey from the ‘new norm’ to the ‘back to norm’,” said Fernando Medroa, Vice President – Entertainment & Hotels for Kuwait-based Alshaya Group.

He added, “In Kuwait we’ve noticed a shift in seeking entertainment locally therein intensifying efforts by both public and private sector entities through initiatives such as Winter Wonderland, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, Disney Princesses and Shrek making appearances in the country.”

Commenting on Bahrain’s leisure and entertainment industry, Mohammed Khalifa, Manager, Seef Entertainment commented, “the average revenue generated by the entertainment sector ranges between $15.9mn to $21.2mn annually, and this by a country with a population of 1.7m.”

In late January 2023, Saudi Arabia’s new Event Investment Fund said it would develop 35 venues by 2030 and, in early February 2023, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment opened Snow Oman.

Bahrain attracts significant tourist numbers with a target to attract 14.1m tourists by 2026 as part of the Kingdoms’ Economic Recovery Plan. This is expected to fuel more leisure and entertainment focused offerings, the report stated.

“Indoor entertainment centres in good locations are recording robust performance and have in most cases exceeded pre-Covid levels already. Less attractive locations have not fared quite as good,” explained Silvio Liedtke, CEO, Landmark Leisure.

He added, “Overall, longer dwell time and rise in spending indicate growth meaning customers who make their way into entertainment spaces spend more time and money than pre-Covid in the same locations. The indoor leisure and entertainment market in the GCC is at inflection point. Disruptors like VR and AR, strong IP-led product ranges and social entertainment are changing the landscape of our industry leading to a vibrant and dynamic market with new ideas, innovations and new concepts springing up almost daily.”

“It’s certainly an amazing time to see the creativity and diversity at play. Landlords are keen to fill their malls with more than just retail. The choices for customers are now enormous and will continue to grow. This of course puts pressure on the traditional FEC model to stay relevant and profitable, particularly given cost pressures on rents, utilities and staff, coupled with inflationary pressures on the asset purchasing front,” he concluded.

In early February 2023, Miral opened the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue facility.

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Source: ME Construction News

Saudi Arabia’s Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Ministry has announced that all new residential buildings across the Kingdom will only receive approval if they include earthquake resistant designs.

The new instructions were issued by the ministry to its affiliated agencies and engineering offices for new residential buildings in various regions and governorates across the country, it has been reported.

The ministry said it is keen to ensure and enforce the construction of quake-resistant, sustainable and safer buildings, adding that the move is in line with the implementation of the Saudi Building Code and its amendment through two royal decrees.

In early October 2022, the DGDA and NHC said they would collaborate on mutual areas that serve the housing sector and, in early November 2022, Dar Al Arkan said it completed Saudi Arabia’s first 3DCP villa.

Moreover, the ministry has now included these specific amendments for earthquake resistance within the new Saudi Building Code Application Law.

Typically, the phrase ‘earthquake resistance design’ has referred to the use of a stronger core framework for the building – extending vertically and horizontally from floor-to-floor, as well as deeper and stronger foundations on any property exceeding four floors in height.

The more advanced use of insulated foundations, ‘floating’ in a gimble-type design, is typically only used for skyscrapers, but there is ongoing debate in the Kingdom – and elsewhere in the GCC – that it should become mandatory for all new properties with a height exceeding 150m.

In mid February 2023, Doosan Bobcat said it would provide $1mn worth of equipment to help earthquake relief efforts.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed an agreement with Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to set up an integrated logistics park at Al Khumrah in the south of Jeddah, at a total cost of US $266mn.

In a statement, Mawani said that the key facility comprises of three zones that include shared warehouses, medium-sized storage yards, and single warehouses, as well as large storage yards and on-demand warehouses.

In addition, the logistics park will have dedicated administrative, commercial, and residential use areas, as well as a one-stop services centre. Mawani added that the various zones will fulfill the needs and requirements of importers and exporters with regards to multipurpose cargo, chilled and frozen goods, food commodities, and fragile goods. The highest standards of safety and efficiency will be maintained, it continued.

“The park offers move-in-ready warehouses, storage yards, re-export zones, custom storage, logistics amenities, commercial units, residential units, and staff accommodation in addition to state-of-the-art infrastructure like roads and green spaces as well as a host of other essential services,” a company spokesman said.

In late December 2022, it was announced that an integrated Metal Park will be developed at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi and, AD Ports Group signed an offshore logistics deal with the Kazakh National Oil Company subsidiary.

He added that the logistics development will further bolster Mawani’s role as a key player in the national transportation ecosystem and boost its drive to position the kingdom as a global logistics destination.

“This in line with the ambitions of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), alongside realising the outcomes of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) that aim to transform Al Khumrah into a world-leading platform for logistics and supply chain activities,” he stated, adding that it has been designed for optimum asset utilisation.

The park is predicted create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the logistics sector, and  will strengthen Jeddah Islamic Port’s position as a major maritime hub that delivers top-tier services and increased throughput capacity, the statement concluded.

In mid February 2023, Mawani and Maersk broke ground on a $346mn logistics park.

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Source: ME Construction News

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